How Many Players Are in Hockey? Ice, Field and Team Sizes Explained
The number of players in hockey depends on the version of the sport. Learn how many players are on the ice or field, how substitutions work, and how large a typical roster can be.
The answer depends on which hockey you mean. In ice hockey, each team has six players on the ice at one time, while field hockey teams have 11 players on the field. Roster limits and substitutions make the total number of players available for a game different from the number playing at once.
How many players are on an ice hockey team?
A standard ice hockey team has six players on the ice during normal play:
- One goaltender, who protects the net
- Five skaters, usually made up of three forwards and two defensemen
The five skaters are commonly arranged as a center, two wingers and two defensemen. Teams can replace the goaltender with another skater in certain situations, usually when they are trying to score late in a game.
How many players are on an ice hockey roster?
The number of players dressed for an ice hockey game is higher than the number on the ice. In many professional competitions, a team can dress 20 players: 18 skaters and two goaltenders. In the NHL, the larger active roster typically contains up to 23 players, with only the dressed players eligible to take part in a particular game.
Ice hockey uses frequent line changes, so players leave and enter the game throughout play. These substitutions usually happen while the game is moving, provided the change is made correctly. Because of this system, a team may use many different combinations of players during one match even though only six can be on the ice at once.
How many players are in field hockey?
Field hockey has 11 players per team on the field, including one goalkeeper. The other 10 players are outfield players who attack, defend and support the goalkeeper.
Field hockey teams can also name substitute players, and substitutions are generally allowed throughout the match. The exact number of substitutes and roster rules can vary by competition, but the number actively playing remains 11 per side.
How player numbers change in other forms of hockey
Not every version of hockey uses the same team size. Indoor hockey, for example, is usually played with fewer players than outdoor field hockey. Roller hockey formats also differ: some use four skaters and a goalkeeper, while others follow different competition rules.
That is why a question such as “how many players are in hockey?” is best answered by identifying the format first. For the two most widely recognized versions, the figures are six players on the ice in ice hockey and 11 players on the field in field hockey.
Common questions about hockey team size
How many players are on the ice in hockey?
There are normally six players on the ice for each ice hockey team: one goaltender and five skaters.
How many skaters are on an ice hockey team?
Five skaters play at a time in standard ice hockey. They are usually three forwards and two defensemen.
Can a hockey team play with fewer players?
Yes. A team may have fewer than six players on the ice if one or more players are serving penalties. A team can also remove its goaltender and use an extra skater during a stoppage or while play continues, depending on the situation.
How many players are on a field hockey team?
Field hockey has 11 players per team on the field, including the goalkeeper.
