Hockey season is here, and there’s nothing quite like settling in with friends and family to test your knowledge of the greatest sport on ice! I’ve been a hockey fan for as long as I can remember, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy the game with others is through a good old-fashioned trivia session.
Whether you’re waiting for the puck to drop or hanging out during intermission, these 200+ hockey trivia questions will keep everyone entertained.
You know what I love most about hockey trivia? It brings together fans of all ages and knowledge levels. My dad still tells stories about the original six teams, while my nephew can rattle off current player stats like nobody’s business. These questions bridge that gap perfectly!
NHL History and Legends
Let’s start with the foundation of hockey knowledge – the history and legends that built this amazing sport. These questions cover everything from the early days of the NHL to the superstars who defined different eras of hockey.
- Which year was the NHL founded?
Answer: 1917 - Who is known as “The Great One” in hockey?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky - What were the original six NHL teams?
Answer: Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings - Which player holds the record for most career goals?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (894 goals) - What team did Gordie Howe primarily play for during his career?
Answer: Detroit Red Wings - Who was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games?
Answer: Maurice “Rocket” Richard - Which goaltender was known as “Mr. Zero”?
Answer: Frank Brimsek - What year did the NHL expand beyond the Original Six?
Answer: 1967 - Who holds the record for most assists in NHL history?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (1,963 assists) - Which player was nicknamed “The Golden Jet”?
Answer: Bobby Hull - What team won the first Stanley Cup in NHL history?
Answer: Toronto Arenas (1918) - Who was the first European player to be drafted first overall in the NHL?
Answer: Mats Sundin (1989) - Which player scored the famous “Goal of the Century”?
Answer: Bobby Orr (1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal) - What goaltender was the first to regularly wear a mask?
Answer: Jacques Plante - Who holds the record for most points in a single season?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (215 points in 1985-86) - Which player was known as “Mr. Hockey”?
Answer: Gordie Howe - What year did women’s hockey become an Olympic sport?
Answer: 1998 - Who was the youngest player to score 50 goals in a season?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (19 years old) - Which team had the longest Stanley Cup drought before winning?
Answer: Chicago Blackhawks (49 years, 1961-2010) - Who was the first player to score 100 points in a season?
Answer: Phil Esposito (1968-69)
Looking to dive deeper into hockey conversations? Try our interesting topics to talk about for more engaging discussions!
Current Players and Teams
Now let’s shift gears to the modern NHL. These questions focus on today’s superstars and the current landscape of professional hockey. Perfect for testing knowledge of recent seasons and current team rosters.
- Who is considered the best player in hockey today?
Answer: Connor McDavid (though opinions may vary!) - Which team does Sidney Crosby play for?
Answer: Pittsburgh Penguins - What position does Alexander Ovechkin play?
Answer: Left Wing - Which goaltender has won the most Vezina Trophies in recent years?
Answer: Carey Price (tied with several others at 1 recent win) - What team drafted Connor McDavid first overall?
Answer: Edmonton Oilers - Which player is known as “Pasta”?
Answer: David Pastrnak - What team does Nathan MacKinnon play for?
Answer: Colorado Avalanche - Who is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Answer: John Tavares - Which team has won the most recent Stanley Cup (as of 2024)?
Answer: Florida Panthers (2024) - What number does Connor McDavid wear?
Answer: 97 - Which goaltender is known for his unique mask designs?
Answer: Various answers acceptable (Marc-André Fleury is popular) - What team does Erik Karlsson play for currently?
Answer: Pittsburgh Penguins (as of recent trades) - Who holds the current record for most goals by a rookie?
Answer: Teemu Selanne (76 goals in 1992-93) - Which team plays at Madison Square Garden?
Answer: New York Rangers - What is the salary cap for NHL teams in recent seasons?
Answer: Approximately $83.5 million (2023-24 season) - Which player is known as “The Captain” in Washington?
Answer: Alexander Ovechkin - What team does Leon Draisaitl play for?
Answer: Edmonton Oilers - Who is the youngest captain in current NHL?
Answer: This changes frequently, but Connor McDavid was among the youngest - Which team has the longest current playoff drought?
Answer: Buffalo Sabres (as of recent seasons) - What player scored the most goals in the 2023-24 season?
Answer: David Pastrnak (61 goals)
Want to keep the conversation going after trivia? Check out our conversation starters for texting to continue chatting with your hockey buddies!
Stanley Cup Champions
The Stanley Cup – Lord Stanley’s mug, the Holy Grail of hockey. These questions dive deep into the most prestigious trophy in sports and the teams that have hoisted it high.
- Which team has won the most Stanley Cups in NHL history?
Answer: Montreal Canadiens (24 championships) - What year did the Tampa Bay Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups?
Answer: 2020 and 2021 - Which team won the Stanley Cup in the “Miracle on Ice” year of 1980?
Answer: New York Islanders - What team broke the “Curse of the Bambino” equivalent in hockey?
Answer: Chicago Blackhawks (ended 49-year drought in 2010) - Which goaltender has won the most Stanley Cups?
Answer: Henri Richard (11 as a player, though he was a forward) - What team won the Stanley Cup in 2019?
Answer: St. Louis Blues - Which player has his name on the Stanley Cup the most times?
Answer: Henri Richard (11 times) - What team won the first Stanley Cup after the NHL-WHA merger?
Answer: Montreal Canadiens (1979) - Which team won the Stanley Cup during the COVID-19 pandemic with no fans?
Answer: Tampa Bay Lightning (2020) - What year did the Colorado Avalanche last win the Stanley Cup?
Answer: 2022 - Which team swept the Stanley Cup Finals most recently?
Answer: Colorado Avalanche (2022, defeated Tampa Bay 4-2) – Most recent sweep was Tampa Bay over Montreal in 2021 - What team won the Stanley Cup in 1994?
Answer: New York Rangers - Which team has appeared in the most Stanley Cup Finals without winning?
Answer: Boston Bruins (in modern era) or various teams depending on era - What team won the Stanley Cup in 2006?
Answer: Carolina Hurricanes - Which player scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in 2023?
Answer: Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas Golden Knights) - What team won their first Stanley Cup in 2018?
Answer: Washington Capitals - Which team won the Stanley Cup in the lockout-shortened 2013 season?
Answer: Chicago Blackhawks - What year did the Detroit Red Wings last win the Stanley Cup?
Answer: 2008 - Which team won the Stanley Cup in 1999 after a controversial goal?
Answer: Dallas Stars - What team has the longest current Stanley Cup drought?
Answer: Toronto Maple Leafs (since 1967)
These Stanley Cup questions always spark the best debates! For more engaging conversation topics, try our deep topics to talk about collection.
Hockey Records and Stats
Hockey is a sport built on incredible individual achievements and mind-blowing statistics. These questions celebrate the record-holders and statistical giants of the game.
- What is Wayne Gretzky’s career point total?
Answer: 2,857 points - Who holds the record for most goals in a single season?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (92 goals in 1981-82) - What is the record for most assists in a single season?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (163 assists in 1985-86) - Who scored the fastest goal from the start of a game?
Answer: Mike Bossy (9 seconds) - What is the record for most consecutive games played?
Answer: Doug Jarvis (964 games) - Who holds the record for most career shutouts?
Answer: Martin Brodeur (125 shutouts) - What is the record for most wins by a goaltender in a season?
Answer: Martin Brodeur (48 wins in 2006-07) - Who scored the most short-handed goals in NHL history?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (73) - What is the record for most penalty minutes in a career?
Answer: Tiger Williams (3,966 minutes) - Who holds the record for most hat tricks in a career?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (50) - What is the record for most points by a defenseman in a season?
Answer: Bobby Orr (139 points in 1970-71) - Who scored the most goals by a rookie in their first game?
Answer: Multiple players have scored 3 goals (Fabian Brunnstrom is one recent example) - What is the record for longest winning streak by a team?
Answer: Pittsburgh Penguins (17 games in 1992-93) - Who holds the record for most saves in a game?
Answer: Sam LoPresti (80 saves in 1941) - What is the record for most goals scored by a team in a season?
Answer: Edmonton Oilers (446 goals in 1983-84) - Who scored the most overtime goals in NHL history?
Answer: Alex Ovechkin - What is the record for most consecutive seasons with 40+ goals?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (12 seasons) - Who holds the record for most career plus/minus?
Answer: Larry Robinson (+730) - What is the record for most goals allowed in a season by a team?
Answer: Washington Capitals (446 goals in 1974-75) - Who scored the most power-play goals in a career?
Answer: Dave Andreychuk (274)
Numbers don’t lie in hockey! Want more conversation starters about impressive achievements? Try our how well do you know me questions for personal trivia fun.
International Hockey
Hockey isn’t just about the NHL – it’s a global sport with incredible international competition. These questions explore Olympic hockey, World Championships, and international play.
- Which countries are considered the “Big Six” in international hockey?
Answer: Canada, USA, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic - What year did the “Miracle on Ice” occur?
Answer: 1980 - Which country has won the most Olympic gold medals in men’s hockey?
Answer: Canada - Who scored the “Golden Goal” for Canada in 2010 Olympics?
Answer: Sidney Crosby - What tournament is considered the World Championship of hockey?
Answer: IIHF World Championship - Which country won the first World Junior Championship?
Answer: Soviet Union (1977) - What is the name of the annual under-20 tournament?
Answer: World Junior Championship (WJC) - Which country has won the most World Junior Championships?
Answer: Canada - What year did NHL players first participate in the Olympics?
Answer: 1998 - Which European country is known for producing great goaltenders?
Answer: Finland (though several countries could apply) - What is the Spengler Cup?
Answer: Annual hockey tournament held in Switzerland - Which country won the 2022 Olympic men’s hockey gold medal?
Answer: Finland - What tournament features the best European club teams?
Answer: Champions Hockey League - Which country is known as the birthplace of hockey?
Answer: Canada - What is the name of Russia’s top professional league?
Answer: Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) - Which country won the women’s Olympic gold in 2022?
Answer: Canada - What tournament do NHL prospects compete in each summer?
Answer: Various junior tournaments and development camps - Which Scandinavian country has produced players like Peter Forsberg?
Answer: Sweden - What is the most prestigious junior hockey league in Canada?
Answer: Canadian Hockey League (CHL) – includes OHL, WHL, QMJHL - Which country hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics?
Answer: China
International hockey brings out such passion in fans! For more global conversation topics, check out our philosophical questions to explore different perspectives.
Hockey Rules and Equipment
Understanding the rules and equipment makes watching hockey even more enjoyable. These questions test knowledge of the technical side of the beautiful game.
- How many players are on the ice for each team during regular play?
Answer: 6 (including goaltender) - What is the standard length of an NHL hockey stick?
Answer: Maximum 63 inches - How many periods are in a regulation hockey game?
Answer: 3 - What is the diameter of a hockey puck?
Answer: 3 inches - How long is each period in NHL hockey?
Answer: 20 minutes - What is icing in hockey?
Answer: When a player shoots the puck from behind center line across the opposing goal line - How many officials are typically on the ice during an NHL game?
Answer: 4 (2 referees, 2 linesmen) - What is the five-hole in hockey?
Answer: The space between a goaltender’s legs - How wide is a hockey goal?
Answer: 6 feet - What is a power play?
Answer: When a team has a numerical advantage due to opponent’s penalty - How thick is a hockey puck?
Answer: 1 inch - What is the trapezoid behind the goal?
Answer: Area where goaltenders can play the puck - How long is a minor penalty?
Answer: 2 minutes - What is a major penalty?
Answer: 5-minute penalty for more serious infractions - How many substitutions can a team make during a game?
Answer: Unlimited (on-the-fly changes) - What is the neutral zone?
Answer: Area between the two blue lines - How long is overtime in regular season NHL games?
Answer: 3-on-3 for 5 minutes, then shootout - What is a hat trick?
Answer: Three goals by the same player in one game - How many players can be in the penalty box at once for one team?
Answer: Usually 2, but can be more in special circumstances - What is the crease?
Answer: Semi-circular area in front of the goal
The rules might seem complicated at first, but they make the game so much more strategic! Want to test knowledge in other areas? Try our random questions to ask a guy for variety.
Famous Hockey Moments
Hockey history is filled with unforgettable moments that define the sport. These questions celebrate the plays, games, and events that every hockey fan should know.
- What famous call did Al Michaels make during the 1980 Olympics?
Answer: “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” - Which player scored “The Goal” in 1970?
Answer: Bobby Orr (flying through the air) - What game is known as the “Easter Epic”?
Answer: 1987 playoff game between Islanders and Capitals (4 overtimes) - Who scored the overtime winner in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals?
Answer: No one – Boston won 4-0 (trick question!) - What is “The Save” in hockey lore?
Answer: Usually refers to various spectacular saves, but often Tim Thomas in 2011 playoffs - Which player scored 4 goals in his NHL debut?
Answer: Several players, including Real Cloutier - What team came back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the Stanley Cup?
Answer: No team has done this in the Stanley Cup Finals - Who scored the “Michigan” goal first in the NHL?
Answer: Mike Legg popularized it, but Trevor Zegras made it famous recently - What is the “Gretzky Rule”?
Answer: Several rules were changed because of Gretzky, including 4-on-4 overtime - Which goaltender was pulled after allowing 3 goals on 9 shots in the Olympics?
Answer: Various instances, but often refers to notable Olympic moments - What team scored the most goals in one period?
Answer: Buffalo Sabres (9 goals in one period, 1981) - Who scored the fastest 2 goals in NHL history?
Answer: Nels Stewart (4 seconds apart) - What is the longest game in NHL history?
Answer: Detroit vs Montreal, 1936 (6 overtimes, 176:30 total time) - Which player scored 5 goals in one game most recently?
Answer: Various players, but it’s extremely rare - What team won the longest playoff series?
Answer: Various 7-game series, but 1951 Toronto vs Montreal had multiple overtimes - Who scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in double overtime most recently?
Answer: Various recent examples depending on specific year - What is considered the greatest individual season in NHL history?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky’s 1985-86 season (215 points) - Which team had the biggest comeback in one game?
Answer: Various teams have come back from 5+ goal deficits - What player scored the most memorable penalty shot goal?
Answer: Various memorable ones, including Peter Forsberg’s Olympic goal - Which game is called the “Fog Game”?
Answer: 1975 Stanley Cup Finals game in Buffalo due to fog from heat
These moments are what make hockey legendary! For more memorable conversation topics, try our deep questions to ask a girl for meaningful discussions.
Team Mascots and Arenas
The personality of hockey extends beyond the ice to the mascots that entertain fans and the iconic arenas where history is made. These questions explore the fun and unique aspects of NHL team culture.
- What is the name of the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot?
Answer: Gritty - Which arena is known as “The Garden”?
Answer: Madison Square Garden (New York Rangers) - What is the Toronto Maple Leafs’ arena called?
Answer: Scotiabank Arena - Which team’s mascot is named Harvey?
Answer: Calgary Flames (Harvey the Hound) - What arena is known for the loudest fans?
Answer: Various answers acceptable (Bell Centre in Montreal often cited) - Which team plays at T-Mobile Arena?
Answer: Vegas Golden Knights - What is the Boston Bruins’ mascot called?
Answer: Blades - Which arena has the hanging banners touching the ice?
Answer: Nassau Coliseum (former Islanders home) - What team’s fans throw octopi on the ice?
Answer: Detroit Red Wings - Which arena is known as “The Fortress”?
Answer: Various arenas claim this, but often refers to home ice advantage - What is the Edmonton Oilers’ arena called?
Answer: Rogers Place - Which team’s mascot is a bear?
Answer: Boston Bruins (Blades) - What arena has the steepest seating?
Answer: Various claims, but older arenas often have steep designs - Which team’s fans are known as the “12th Man”?
Answer: This is more of a football term, but various hockey teams claim passionate fanbases - What is the Montreal Canadiens’ arena called?
Answer: Bell Centre - Which team’s mascot rides a motorcycle?
Answer: Various teams have had mascots with vehicles - What arena is known for its organ music?
Answer: Various arenas, but Chicago’s United Center is famous for it - Which team plays at Bridgestone Arena?
Answer: Nashville Predators - What is the Pittsburgh Penguins’ mascot named?
Answer: Iceburgh - Which arena has a unique goal horn sound?
Answer: All teams have unique sounds, but Nashville’s is particularly distinctive
Arena atmosphere is such a huge part of hockey! Want more fun topics for your next gathering? Check out our this or that questions for quick decision games.
Bonus Round: Rapid Fire Hockey Facts
Let’s finish strong with some rapid-fire questions that cover everything from quirky facts to lesser-known hockey trivia. Perfect for breaking ties or just showing off your hockey knowledge!
- What do fans traditionally throw on the ice after a hat trick?
Answer: Hats - Which position typically wears number 1?
Answer: Goaltender - What is a “Gordie Howe hat trick”?
Answer: A goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game - How many teams currently play in the NHL?
Answer: 32 teams - What does NHL stand for?
Answer: National Hockey League - Which hand do most hockey players shoot with?
Answer: Left (counterintuitively, since most people are right-handed) - What is the curved part of the stick called?
Answer: The blade - How many Stanley Cup rings do players receive?
Answer: Each player typically receives one ring - What is a “sin bin”?
Answer: Slang term for penalty box - Which country invented hockey?
Answer: Canada (though there’s some debate about exact origins) - What is the most common jersey number retired across NHL teams?
Answer: Various numbers, but single digits are common - How many referees officiate an NHL game?
Answer: 2 referees (plus 2 linesmen) - What is “The Great One’s” jersey number?
Answer: 99 (Wayne Gretzky) - Which NHL team was founded most recently?
Answer: Seattle Kraken (2021) - What is the maximum length of a hockey game?
Answer: No maximum – playoff games continue until someone scores in overtime - How many faceoff circles are on a hockey rink?
Answer: 9 (5 for faceoffs, 4 corner circles) - What is a “sauce” pass?
Answer: A pass that goes over an opponent’s stick - Which position is often called “the quarterback of hockey”?
Answer: Center - What happens if a goaltender gets a penalty?
Answer: Another player serves the penalty for them - How many games are in a regular NHL season?
Answer: 82 games
These rapid-fire questions always get everyone excited! For more quick conversation starters, try our would you rather questions for instant entertainment.
Advanced Hockey Knowledge
Ready for the big leagues? These questions are for the true hockey aficionados who live and breathe the sport. Don’t feel bad if these stump you – they’re designed to challenge even the most dedicated fans!
- What is the “Gordie Howe Bridge”?
Answer: A bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor (named after the hockey legend) - Which NHL team has never had their jersey number retired?
Answer: This changes, but historically some expansion teams - What is the “Gretzky Office”?
Answer: The area behind the opposing team’s goal where Gretzky often set up plays - Which player scored the most goals in their final NHL season?
Answer: Various players, but Gordie Howe scored 15 at age 51 - What is a “Michigan” in hockey?
Answer: A lacrosse-style goal scored from behind the net - Which team has the most consecutive sellouts in NHL history?
Answer: Various teams have had impressive streaks - What is the “Sean Avery Rule”?
Answer: Rule preventing players from deliberately screening goalies while facing them - Which player has appeared in the most All-Star Games?
Answer: Gordie Howe (23 appearances) - What is the fastest recorded shot in NHL history?
Answer: Zdeno Chara (108.8 mph) - Which team scored the most short-handed goals in a season?
Answer: Edmonton Oilers (1983-84, 36 short-handed goals) - What is a “fourth line”?
Answer: The checking line, typically used for defensive situations and energy - Which player has the most points in a single playoff year?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky (47 points in 1985) - What does “+/-” measure in hockey?
Answer: Plus/minus rating – on ice for goals for vs goals against - Which goaltender has faced the most shots in NHL history?
Answer: Martin Brodeur - What is the “Devils Trap”?
Answer: Defensive system popularized by New Jersey Devils - Which player has won the most face-offs in NHL history?
Answer: Various answers, as this stat wasn’t always tracked - What is a “Martian” in hockey slang?
Answer: A player who seems out of this world talented - Which team has the most penalty minutes in a single season?
Answer: Philadelphia Flyers (1980-81, 2,621 minutes) - What is the “Lemieux Save”?
Answer: When Mario Lemieux saved the Pittsburgh Penguins from bankruptcy - Which player scored a goal in the most consecutive games?
Answer: Joe Malone (14 games in 1917-18)
Whew! If you got through all those, you’re definitely a hockey superfan. These advanced questions always separate the casual fans from the die-hard enthusiasts. I don’t know about you, but I learned a few new things myself while putting these together!
Why Hockey Trivia is Perfect for Any Gathering
Hockey trivia hits that sweet spot between entertainment and education that few activities can match. It’s competitive enough to get everyone engaged, but friendly enough that even casual fans can jump in and have fun. I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned more hockey history from trivia nights than I ever did just watching games!
The best part? Hockey has such a rich history filled with incredible stories, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. From the days of Gordie Howe to the modern era of Connor McDavid, there’s always something new to discover. Plus, with teams from both the US and Canada, plus international play, the trivia possibilities are endless.
I remember being at a friend’s hockey viewing party last season, and we started throwing around random hockey facts during commercial breaks. Before we knew it, we had turned it into a full-blown trivia competition that lasted the entire second period!
[Want these questions in an easy-to-print format? Check out our trivia questions for couples collection for more fun games!]
Final Thoughts
There you have it – over 200 hockey trivia questions that cover everything from legendary players to obscure rules, from Stanley Cup history to modern-day superstars. Whether you’re hosting a hockey night with friends, trying to impress at the local sports bar, or just want to test your own knowledge during intermission, these questions have got you covered.
What I love most about hockey trivia is how it brings people together. You might start with a simple question about Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, but before you know it, you’re deep in a conversation about the evolution of goaltending techniques or debating the greatest playoff performance of all time. Hockey has this amazing way of connecting generations of fans through shared stories and memorable moments.
Did you know all the answers? Don’t worry if you didn’t – even the biggest hockey fans learn something new every day. The beauty of this sport is that there’s always another incredible story to discover, another record to be broken, or another legendary moment being made.
So grab your friends, fire up these questions, and get ready for some serious hockey talk. And hey, if you’re looking for more ways to spark great conversations, don’t forget to check out our questions to ask your crush over text or browse our collection of interesting questions to ask a girl for more conversation inspiration.
Now drop the puck and let the trivia begin! Who’s ready to prove they’re the ultimate hockey fan?