Hockey Goal Dimensions & Buying Guide

Everything you need to know about hockey nets

Whether you’re a seasoned hockey player or a junior player just starting out, using a hockey net that is the correct size is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we cover hockey goal sizes, weights, materials, colors and more to help you decide which hockey nets is best suited to your needs.

HISTORY OF HOCKEY NETS

Early ice hockey started in Canada during the late 18th century and it was derived from many sports including field hockey, lacrosse and hurling. The game featured a setup of 30 players a side with stones frozen in the ground to represent the goals. This didn’t last though, as it was too easy for players to score goals from multiple angles. A more refined goal was needed to develop and advance the game.

Fast forward to November 26th, 1917, when the National Hockey League (NHL) was founded, which created a fundamental shift in the way hockey was played and organized. The NHL looked to set standards in the game, which started with replacing the stone and stick goals with steel framed posts and a net. The transition was a crucial part of ice hockey's history, making it the game that is known and loved today.

HOCKEY GOAL DIMENSIONS

The NHL and IIHF state that the regulation dimensions for a hockey goal are 6ft wide, 4ft high and 3.3ft deep (1.8m wide x 1.2m high x 1m deep). They are typically made using a 1.5-2-inch galvanized steel frame. The American hockey league, high school leagues and the NCAA all use the same size hockey goals as NHL.

Do youth players use the same size hockey goals?

Some junior and youth hockey leagues may use smaller hockey net sizes. The specific goal sizes can vary by league but typically players in the 6U age group will use nets that are 3ft (0.9m) wide and 2ft (0.6m) high, and players in the 8U age group will use nets that are 4ft (1.2m) wide and 3ft (0.9m) high. Players older than this will use full size hockey nets.

Hockey Net Mesh

Professional ice hockey goal nets must adhere to NHL regulations, with the most notable requirement being that the size of the mesh is 1 5/8 inches (42mm). This standard mesh size ensures that the puck remains within the net after a goal is scored, preventing it from passing through the netting. While mesh can vary from professional goals to recreational street goals, professional leagues like the NHL maintain this mesh size.

Hockey Goal Colors

According to NHL and IIHF regulations hockey goals should be painted red in color and all other exterior surfaces including the net should be white. The reason goals are red is to ensure they are highly visible against the white ice and boards. Red goals date back to 1927 when the NHL started using the ‘Art Ross’ hockey nets which were designed by Arthur Howey Ross. Though the goal designs have changed since the red color has remained.

TYPES OF HOCKEY NETS

There are many types of hockey nets including the standard NHL regulation 6 x 4 goals which are used by most.

A popular choice for some who like to casually play hockey are street hockey goals. These goals are typically the same size as regulation goals, but they are built for the outdoors. In some cases, these goals may be thicker than the regulation goals, with some being made from plastic instead of steel. For professional tournaments there is also the option to use a stronger goal, most NHL tournaments use 2-inch-thick galvanized steel frames so they can withstand the impact of slapshots.

You’ll also find regulation size goals available in different materials and designs including pop-up goals which are perfect for those on the go. Smaller hockey goals are also available for use not only by youth players but also senior players who can use them for practice drills.

We hope this guide helps you decide what kind of hockey goal you need. For other ice hockey equipment, our FORZA range stocks a variety of hockey gear including pucks, target nets and replacement nets. In the early days, the goals were made out of an arrangement of rocks, since nets weren’t invented at this point it was quite easy to score from most angles.