Ice hockey: Big guns America and Canada are set to go head-to-head in an enthralling competition on the ice at the Winter Olympic Games... everything you need to know ahead of the competition
- Ice Hockey is traditionally one of the most popular events at the Games
- The men's tournament made its debut over 100 years ago in 1920
- The Games officially gets underway on February 4 and runs until February 20
- Sportsmail takes a look at ice hockey and everything you need to know
One of the most popular events at the Winter Olympics, Ice Hockey, will once again be on show at the 2022 Beijing Games.
It has been a staple for over 100 years, making its debut in 1920 at the Summer Games in Antwerp, before being permanently moved to the Winter tournament when it was incepted in 1924. The first women's tournament was held in 1988.
Neither the men's or women's teams qualified for Team GB for the tournament, but it's set to be a fiercely contested competition nonetheless.
Sportsmail takes you through everything you need to know for the competition.
Ice Hockey has been a part of the Winter Olympics programme since its inception in 1924
Ice Hockey venues for Beijing 2022
The ice hockey matches at this year's Winter Games will be shared among two venues, being the Wukesong Sports Centre and the National Indoor Stadium.
The Wukesong Sports Centre was actually originally built to hold the basketball competition at the 2008, but it has more recently been converted with a flexible hockey rink inserted. Interestingly, it can be changed back into a basketball court in just six hours.
Similarly, the National Indoor Stadium was also built for the 2008 Games, hosting handball, rhythmic gymnastics and the trampoline competitions. Both rinks will measure in at 60mx30m.
The Wukesong Sports Centre is one of two venues which will host the ice hockey in Beijing
The National Indoor Stadium will also host the clashes at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games
With the first locally transmitted Omicron case confirmed in Beijing in recent days, Beijing 2022 organisers have pulled the plug on plans to put tickets on general sale, while foreign-based spectators were already prohibited.
Instead, there will be an 'adapted programme' inviting groups of spectators.
What are the tournament rules and positions for ice hockey?
Ice hockey teams consist of six players - typically a goaltender, two defenders, a centre forward and two wings.
The aim is simple: to get the puck into the opponent's goal. Renowned as quite a physical sport, skaters protect themselves with extensive padding, helmets, visors and gloves. There is also special, additional equipment for the goalies.
The field of play - the rink - is divided into zones: Defending, Neutral and Attacking, with four rounded corners completing the pitch.
Teams consist of six players - a goaltender, two defenders, a centre forward and two wings
A game consists of three periods of 20 minutes plus overtime and a penalty/shot shootout if required. Between each regular period there is a 15-minute intermission, during which time the ice will be resurfaced.
The 2022 Olympic men’s tournament will be played according to the same format used in Sochi 2018, 2014 and 2010, with three groups of four teams each.
The best four from an overall 12-team ranking - group winners and best runners-up - will advance to the quarter-finals, with the others going into a play-off.
Men's teams:
Group A: Canada, USA, Germany, China
Group B: ROC, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Denmark
Group C: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Latvia
In the women's tournament, there will be two groups of five each. All five from Group A and the top three teams from Group B will advance to the quarter-finals, where the knockouts begin.
Women's teams:
Group A: USA, Canada, Finland, ROC, Switzerland
Group B: Japan, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden
Ice hockey schedule for Beijing 2022
Who are the favourites for Ice Hockey?
Unfortunately for British fans of Ice Skating, neither the men's or women's team qualified for the Beijing Games.
In the men's tournament, Canada will be looking for gold after falling to third in 2018, but they've been drawn in the same group as USA, who will also have aspirations to win the tournament.
Canada, who are serial winners on the ice, were set to receive a major boost - both in the men's and women's game - with the return of NHL stars to the Games. However, the National Hockey League in December announced that would not be the case, due to the disruptions to the league brought about by Covid.
Elsewhere, Germany - who took silver in PyeongChang - cannot be ruled out, while the Russian Olympic Committee will also be major players.
As for the women's format, the overwhelming likelihood is that gold will go to one of USA or Canada. No other team has taken gold since it was added to the Olympics in 1998.
Most watched Sport videos
- Conor McGregor throws himself into brawl at Bare Knuckle FC weigh in
- Kayla Nicole speaks on seeing ex Travis Kelce out in public
- Dodgers outfielder has explicit moment on air after clinching NLDS
- Travis Kelce's ex addresses rumor that he made her split the bill
- Mets fans go wild as Francisco Lindor hits game-winning grand slam
- Bathurst 1000 driver's Gold Coast house 'burns down' in huge blaze
- Wembley silence for George Baldock ahead of England Greece match
- Aussie bodybuilder Calum Con Moger shares his Arnold impression
- 'This is for George': Greece dedicate England win to Baldock
- Rafael Nadal confirms he is officially retiring from tennis
- Bellamy: Wales players receiving support over George Baldock's death
- Tubes reveals his worst experience hosting Soccer AM