Nok-Hockey Rulebook

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• Purpose of the Game
• Standard Rules of Play
• Scoring
• Alternative Rules
  • Variation 1: Allowing the use of sticks, thumbs, or a combination
  • Variation 2: Alternate shot only
  • Variation 3: Play with both pucks
  • Variation 4: You decide!

Purpose of the Game

To "NOK" the puck into the opponent's goal. Look your opponent in the eyes before play begins as only one player will be deemed The Champion. NOK Hockey is not for the faint of heart!

Standard Rules of Play

• One player drops the puck in the center circle for a faceoff to initiate play.
• Both players use their hockey sticks to strike the puck, aiming to score in the opponent's goal.
• Direct shots into the goal are allowed and players often need to bank the puck off the walls, corner blocks or goalie block for strategic scoring opportunities.
• Players must sit or stand behind their own goal during play.
• Players cannot hit the puck when it lies in their opponent's defense zone.
• A goal is scored when any portion of the puck passes through the goal slot in the arena wall.
• After a goal, the player who was scored upon drops the puck in the center circle for a faceoff to restart play.
• If a player hits the puck and the puck leaves the playing surface, the other player places the puck in their defensive end and that player resumes play.

Scoring

• One point is awarded for each successful goal, regardless of the shot type.
• The game is typically played until one player reaches 5 points, but players can agree on a different target score.

Alternative Rules

There are many different ways to have fun playing NOK Hockey! Before the match, players can agree on alternative rules, such as:

Variation 1: Allowing the use of sticks, thumbs, or a combination

• For example, if the puck stops in any part of the goal zone, a player must advance the puck with their thumb.
• Place the thumb on the puck and the rest of the fingers on the board or the goalie block, then quickly slide the thumb to shoot the puck.
• Goals scored with the thumb count as 2 goals versus 1 goal with when scored with the stick.

Variation 2: Alternate shot only

• Players alternate shots and can only hit the puck one time before the other player hits the puck.
• No matter where the puck lies after a player's shot, defensive zone or otherwise, the other player takes a turn.
• Players may move around the board and do not have to stand behind their own goal.
• Game is played to 10 goals and a player must win by 2.

Variation 3: Play with both pucks

• Players try to keep both pucks in play at all times.
• When a goal is scored, the player who was scored upon puts the puck in their defensive zone and takes a shot to get the puck back in play.
• Play to 10 points. A player must win by 2 goals.

Variation 4: You decide!

NOK Hockey has been played for generations and countless iterations have been created. Therefore, make your own rules and have fun!

• For example, if the puck stops on the NOK Hockey logo and skater, leaves the playing surface or stops touching any part of the face-off dots, come up with something creative for how to hit the next shot.
• If the puck gets stuck in a corner and a player cannot get a stick behind the puck, use the other end of the stick like a pool cue.
• Use your imagination and make your own "House Rules."