The standard length of a professional hockey rink, particularly those used in the National Hockey League (NHL), is measured at 200 feet. Converting this fixed measurement into yards provides the answer to the common query. The official playing surface length is approximately 66.67 yards, or exactly 66 and two-thirds yards. This dimension establishes the boundaries for all competitive play.
The Standard Length in Yards
The official length of 200 feet is the standard measurement for North American hockey rinks, including those used in the NHL. This distance remains the fixed standard in the NHL rulebook. Because a yard is defined as exactly three feet, the conversion results in the fractional measurement of 66.67 yards.
This fractional yardage exists because the original standard was set using imperial feet, not yards or meters. When converted to the metric system, the 200-foot length translates to approximately 60.96 meters. The 200-foot length dictates the speed and flow of the game, providing the necessary space for players to accelerate and execute plays. This consistent dimension ensures that the strategic elements of the sport remain uniform across all NHL venues.
Full Dimensions and Key Markings
While the length is fixed at 200 feet (66.67 yards), the standard NHL rink width is 85 feet, which converts to approximately 28.33 yards. These two dimensions define the rectangular shape of the playing surface.
The rink length is utilized by several important markings that divide the ice into distinct zones. Two Blue Lines are painted 64 feet from each end board, creating the offensive and defensive zones. These lines are placed 128 feet apart, defining the neutral zone between them.
Exactly halfway down the 200-foot length is the Center Red Line, positioned 100 feet from each end board. This line visually bisects the rink and is used to regulate certain aspects of play, such as determining where a puck is shot from.
NHL vs. International Rink Sizes
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) standard, used in the Olympics, is often compared to the NHL standard. The international rink is typically 60 meters long, which is approximately 197 feet. This length is very close to the NHL’s 200-foot dimension.
The primary difference between the two standards is the width. International rinks are wider at 30 meters (about 98.4 feet), compared to the NHL’s 85 feet. This extra width creates more open space for players, leading to a slightly different style of play than seen on North American surfaces.