217+ Hockey Trivia Questions You’ve Never Heard Before

Hockey fans love testing their knowledge but often find themselves stuck with the same old trivia questions. It’s hard to find new, exciting facts that truly challenge even the most devoted followers of the sport.

This blog post aims to solve that problem. We’ve gathered 217+ hockey trivia questions to surprise and delight even the most seasoned fans.

This list covers all aspects of the game, from obscure player stats to little-known historical events. You’ll find questions about NHL records, international tournaments, equipment evolution, etc.

Whether you’re planning a hockey-themed party, looking to stump your friends, or expanding your knowledge, this comprehensive set of trivia questions will keep you entertained and learning new facts about the sport you love.

Best Hockey Trivia Facts You Need to Know

General Hockey Trivia

1. In what year was the National Hockey League (NHL) founded? – 1917

2. Which team won the first-ever NHL game? – Montreal Wanderers (defeated Toronto Arenas 10-9)

3. What was the first U.S. team to join the NHL? – Boston Bruins (1924)

4. Who is known as “The Great One” in hockey? – Wayne Gretzky

5. Which team has won the most Stanley Cup championships? – Montreal Canadiens (24 times)

6. What year was the first organized indoor hockey game played? – 1875

7. Who invented the hockey puck? – There’s no single inventor, but it evolved from balls used in field hockey

8. What was the name of the trophy that preceded the Stanley Cup? – Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup

9. Which NHL team was the first to use a live animal as a mascot? – Chicago Blackhawks (a live hawk named “Blackhawk”)

10. What year did the NHL first allow players to curve their stick blades? – 1967

11. Who scored the fastest goal in NHL history? – Doug Smail (5 seconds into the game)

12. Which NHL team has the longest active playoff streak? – Pittsburgh Penguins (16 seasons as of 2023)

13. What was the original name of the Toronto Maple Leafs? – Toronto Arenas

14. Who was the first European-trained player to play in the NHL? – Ulf Sterner (Sweden)

15. In what year did the NHL first allow goalies to wear masks? – 1959

16. Which team won the first Winter Classic outdoor game? – Pittsburgh Penguins

17. What was the original name of the Stanley Cup? – Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup

18. Who was the first American-born player to score 500 goals in the NHL? – Joe Mullen

19. What year did the NHL expand from the Original Six to 12 teams? – 1967

20. Which team ended the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history in 2010? – Chicago Blackhawks (49 years)

21. Who was the first player to have his jersey number retired league-wide? – Wayne Gretzky (Number 99)

22. What was the name of the first professional women’s ice hockey league in North America? – Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL)

Player-Specific Trivia

23. Who holds the record for most points in a single NHL season? – Wayne Gretzky (215 points in 1985-86)

24. Which player has won the most Stanley Cups? – Henri Richard (11)

25. Who is the all-time leader in NHL games played? – Patrick Marleau (1,779 games)

26. Which goalie has the most shutouts in NHL history? – Martin Brodeur (125)

27. Who is the oldest player to score a goal in the NHL? – Gordie Howe (52 years, 11 days)

28. Which player has the nickname “The Russian Rocket”? – Pavel Bure

29. Who holds the record for most goals in a single NHL game? – Joe Malone (7 goals)

30. Which player has won the most Hart Memorial Trophies (MVP)? – Wayne Gretzky (9)

31. Who is the only NHL player to score 50 goals in 50 games three times? – Mike Bossy

32. Which goalie has the most wins in NHL history? – Martin Brodeur (691)

33. Who holds the record for most points by a defenseman in a single season? – Bobby Orr (139 points in 1970-71)

34. Which player has the nickname “Mr. Hockey”? – Gordie Howe

35. Who is the youngest player to score 500 goals in the NHL? – Wayne Gretzky (23 years, 328 days)

36. Which player has the most career assists in NHL history? – Wayne Gretzky (1,963)

37. Who was the first NHL player to use a curved stick blade? – Stan Mikita

38. Which goalie has played the most minutes in NHL history? – Martin Brodeur (74,439 minutes)

39. Who holds the record for most consecutive games played? – Phil Kessel (1,000 games)

40. Which player has won the most Vezina Trophies (best goaltender)? – Jacques Plante (7)

41. Who was the first player to score 70 goals in a single NHL season? – Phil Esposito

42. Which player holds the record for most points in a single playoff year? – Wayne Gretzky (47 points in 1985)

43. Who was the first European-born and trained captain to win the Stanley Cup? – Nicklas Lidstrom

44. Which player has the nickname “The Golden Jet”? – Bobby Hull

Team-Specific Trivia

45. Which NHL team has never won a Stanley Cup? – Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators (modern franchise), Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, Seattle Kraken

46. What is the oldest professional ice hockey team still in existence? – Montreal Canadiens (founded in 1909)

47. Which team holds the record for most wins in a regular season? – Detroit Red Wings (62 wins in 1995-96)

48. What NHL team was formerly known as the Quebec Nordiques? – Colorado Avalanche

49. Which team has the longest Stanley Cup championship drought? – Toronto Maple Leafs (since 1967)

50. What is the name of the rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs? – The Battle of Ontario

51. Which team won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960? – Montreal Canadiens

52. What NHL team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden? – New York Rangers

53. Which team drafted Wayne Gretzky when he entered the NHL? – None (Gretzky entered the NHL through a merger with the WHA)

54. What team holds the record for the longest undefeated streak in NHL history? – Philadelphia Flyers (35 games in 1979-80)

55. Which NHL team was the first to use a song as a goal celebration? – Chicago Blackhawks (“Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis)

56. What team has the nickname “The Broad Street Bullies”? – Philadelphia Flyers

57. Which NHL team has never missed the playoffs since joining the league? – Vegas Golden Knights (as of 2023)

58. What team holds the record for most points in a regular season? – Detroit Red Wings (132 points in 1995-96)

59. Which NHL team was the first to win back-to-back Stanley Cups in the salary cap era? – Pittsburgh Penguins (2016 and 2017)

60. What is the name of the rivalry between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens? – The Battle of the Original Six

61. Which team has the most consecutive playoff appearances in NHL history? – Boston Bruins (29 seasons, 1968-1996)

62. What NHL team was formerly known as the Atlanta Thrashers? – Winnipeg Jets

63. Which team won the Stanley Cup in its inaugural season? – Montreal Canadiens (1917-18)

64. What is the name of the rivalry between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers? – The Battle of Alberta

65. Which NHL team has had the most name changes throughout its history? – Ottawa Senators (original franchise: Ottawa HC, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Eagles)

66. What team holds the record for the longest home-winning streak in NHL history? – Detroit Red Wings (23 games in 2011-12)

Hockey Rules and Regulations

67. How many players from each team are allowed on the ice during regular play? – Six (including the goalie)

68. What is the maximum length allowed for a hockey stick? – 63 inches (160 cm)

69. How long is a standard NHL game? – Three 20-minute periods (60 minutes total)

70. What is the name of the area where players serve penalties? – Penalty box

71. How many face-off circles are there on a regulation hockey rink? – Nine

72. What is the minimum number of players a team must have on the ice? – Four (including the goalie)

73. How long is a minor penalty in hockey? – Two minutes

74. What is the maximum curve allowed on a hockey stick blade? – 3/4 inch (19 mm)

75. How many overtime periods are played during regular season NHL games? – One (5 minutes)

76. What is the name of the rule that allows a team to pull their goalie for an extra attacker? – Empty net

77. How long is a major penalty in hockey? – Five minutes

78. What is the maximum number of players a team can dress for a game? – 20 (18 skaters and 2 goalies)

79. What is the name of the infraction when a player uses their stick to trip an opponent? – Hooking

80. How many players participate in a shootout? – Three shooters per team (initially)

81. What is the name of the rule that prohibits body-checking in women’s ice hockey? – Body contact rule

82. How long is a misconduct penalty in hockey? – 10 minutes

83. What is the maximum width allowed for a goalie’s stick blade? – 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)

84. How many time-outs is each team allowed per game in the NHL? – One

85. What is the name of the rule that allows a penalty shot if a player is fouled on a breakaway? – Penalty shot rule

86. How long must a team remain shorthanded when they receive a double-minor penalty? – Four minutes

87. What is the maximum number of players allowed on the ice during a power play? – Six (including the goalie)

88. What is the name of the infraction when a player uses their stick to impede an opponent’s progress? – Interference

Hockey Arenas and Venues

89. What is the oldest arena still in use in the NHL? – Madison Square Garden (opened in 1968)

90. Which NHL arena has the largest seating capacity? – Bell Centre (Montreal Canadiens, 21,302)

91. What was the name of the Montreal Canadiens’ home arena before the Bell Centre? – Montreal Forum

92. Which NHL arena is known as “The Shark Tank”? – SAP Center (San Jose Sharks)

93. What is the name of the Edmonton Oilers’ current home arena? – Rogers Place

94. Which NHL arena is located on Broad Street in Philadelphia? – Wells Fargo Center

95. What is the nickname of the Detroit Red Wings’ home arena? – “The Joe” (Joe Louis Arena, retired in 2017)

96. Which NHL arena is known for its iconic organ, nicknamed “The Barton”? – United Center (Chicago Blackhawks)

97. What is the name of the outdoor NHL game played annually? – Winter Classic

98. Which arena hosted the “Miracle on Ice” during the 1980 Winter Olympics? – Olympic Center (now Herb Brooks Arena) in Lake Placid, New York

99. What is the name of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home arena? – Scotiabank Arena (formerly Air Canada Centre)

100. Which NHL arena is nicknamed “The Pond”? – Honda Center (Anaheim Ducks)

101. What was the first NHL arena to use a center-hung scoreboard? – Chicago Stadium

102. Which arena hosts the annual NHL All-Star Game? – It rotates among different NHL arenas each year

103. What is the name of the Vancouver Canucks’ home arena? – Rogers Arena

104. Which NHL arena is located at 1 Panther Parkway? – FLA Live Arena (Florida Panthers)

105. What is the name of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ current home arena? – PPG Paints Arena

106. Which NHL arena is known for its iconic lighthouse? – UBS Arena (New York Islanders)

107. What is the name of the outdoor game series played in football or baseball stadiums? – NHL Stadium Series

108. Which arena hosted the famous “Fog Game” in the 1975 Stanley Cup Finals? – Buffalo Memorial Auditorium

109. What is the name of the Seattle Kraken’s home arena? – Climate Pledge Arena

110. Which NHL arena is nicknamed “The Saddledome” due to its unique shape? – Scotiabank Saddledome (Calgary Flames)

Stanley Cup Trivia

111. In what year was the Stanley Cup first awarded? – 1893

112. Who donated the Stanley Cup? – Lord Stanley of Preston, Governor General of Canada

113. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the playoff MVP in the American Hockey League (AHL)? – Jack A. Butterfield Trophy

114. How many playoff games must a team win to claim the Stanley Cup? – 16

115. Which NHL team has the most consecutive playoff appearances?–  Boston Bruins (29 seasons, from 1967-68 to 1995-96)

116. What is engraved on the Stanley Cup each year? – Names of the winning team, players, coaches, and staff

117. How tall is the current Stanley Cup? – 35.25 inches (89.54 cm)

118. What happens when the Stanley Cup bands are full of names? – The oldest band is removed and preserved in the Hockey Hall of Fame

119. Who was the first non-North American-born player to captain a Stanley Cup-winning team? – Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings, 2008)

120. Which NHL player holds the record for most points in a single playoff year? – Wayne Gretzky (47 points in 1985)

121. Who is the only player to win the Stanley Cup with three different teams in three consecutive years? – Ed Litzenberger (Chicago, 1961; Toronto 1962, 1963)

122. What is the name of the trophy given to the playoff MVP? – Conn Smythe Trophy

123. Which player has won the most Stanley Cups? – Henri Richard (11)

124. What team ended the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history in 2010? – Chicago Blackhawks (49 years)

125. Who was the first European captain to accept the Stanley Cup? – Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings, 2008)

126. What is the tradition for each player of the winning team regarding the Stanley Cup? – Each player gets to spend a day with the Cup

127. Which team won the Stanley Cup in its inaugural NHL season? – Montreal Canadiens (1917-18)

128. What is the name of the white-gloved custodian who travels with the Stanley Cup? – The Keeper of the Cup

129. Which player scored the fastest overtime goal in Stanley Cup Final history? – John Leclair (11 seconds, 1993)

130. What material is the current Stanley Cup made of? – Silver and nickel alloy

131. Who was the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup? – Sidney Crosby (21 years, 10 months, and 5 days)

132. Which two teams have met the most times in the Stanley Cup Finals? – Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins (7 times)

International Hockey Trivia

133. Which country has won the most Olympic gold medals in men’s ice hockey? – Canada (9 gold medals)

134. What year was ice hockey first included in the Winter Olympics? – 1920 (Summer Olympics in Antwerp, before the first Winter Olympics)

135. Which country won the first World Ice Hockey Championships in 1920? – Canada

136. Who is the all-time leading scorer in Olympic men’s ice hockey? – Teemu Selanne (Finland)

137. What is the name of the tournament that replaced the Canada Cup? – World Cup of Hockey

138. Which country won the first women’s ice hockey Olympic gold medal? – United States (1998)

139. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the winner of the IIHF World Championship? – IIHF World Championship Trophy

140. Which non-North American country has won the most World Championship gold medals? – Soviet Union/Russia

141. Who scored Canada’s “Golden Goal” in the 2010 Winter Olympics final? – Sidney Crosby

142. What year did professional players first participate in the Winter Olympics? – 1998

143. Which country has won the most medals overall in Olympic ice hockey? – Canada

144. What is the name of the annual World Junior Ice Hockey Championship? – IIHF World Junior Championship

145. Which country hosted the “Summit Series” against Canada in 1972? – Soviet Union

146. Who is the all-time leading scorer in IIHF World Championship history? – Boris Mikhailov (Soviet Union)

147. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the champion of the European Hockey League? – European Trophy

148. Which country won the first-ever World Cup of Hockey in 1996? – United States

149. Who holds the record for most points in a single Olympic tournament? – Eero Koivisto (Finland, 11 points in 1984)

150. What is the name of the international tournament featuring NHL players that was held in 2004 and 2016? – World Cup of Hockey

151. Which country has won the most IIHF World Women’s Championships? – Canada

152. Who coached the U.S. men’s hockey team to the “Miracle on Ice” victory in 1980? – Herb Brooks

153. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the winner of the Euro Hockey Tour? – Euro Hockey Tour Trophy

154. Which country won the last Olympic gold medal before NHL players were allowed to participate? – Unified Team (former Soviet republics) in 1992

Hockey Equipment Trivia

155. Who invented the modern ice skate? – John Forbes in 1864

156. What material were early hockey pucks made from? – Frozen cow dung

157. When were helmets made mandatory in the NHL? – 1979

158. Who invented the goalie mask? – Jacques Plante (first to wear it regularly in the NHL)

159. What is the official weight of an NHL hockey puck? – 5.5 to 6 ounces (156 to 170 grams)

160. When did composite sticks first appear in the NHL? – 1994

161. What material is used to make modern hockey pucks? – Vulcanized rubber

162. Who invented the curved hockey stick blade? – Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull

163. What is the maximum length allowed for a hockey stick in the NHL? – 63 inches (160 cm)

164. When were visors made mandatory for new NHL players? – 2013

165. What is the name of the protective gear worn on a player’s shins? – Shin guards or shin pads

166. What type of wood was traditionally used to make hockey sticks? – Ash or maple

167. Who invented the butterfly style of goaltending, which influenced pad design? – Glenn Hall

168. What is the name of the glove worn by goalies to catch the puck? – Trapper or catch glove

169. When did the NHL first allow goalies to wear masks? – 1959

170. What is the maximum width allowed for a goalie’s stick blade? – 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)

171. Who invented the modern composite hockey stick? – Frank Danek

172. What is the official diameter of an NHL hockey puck? – 3 inches (7.62 cm)

173. What material is used to make the blades of modern ice skates? – Stainless steel

174. When were goalie pads standardized to a maximum width of 11 inches? – 2005-06 season

175. What is the name of the protective cup worn by male players? – Jock or athletic supporter

176. Who invented the “cage” style face mask for goalies? – Vladislav Tretiak

Hockey in Pop Culture

177. What is the name of the hockey-playing dog in the Disney movie series? – Air Bud

178. Which actor played hockey player Doug Glatt in the movie “Goon”? – Seann William Scott

179. What is the name of the fictional junior hockey team in the TV show “Letterkenny”? – Letterkenny Irish

180. Which famous hockey player had a cameo in the movie “D2: The Mighty Ducks”? – Wayne Gretzky

181. What is the name of the video game series produced by EA Sports featuring NHL teams? – NHL (year)

182. In the movie “Slap Shot”, what was the name of the minor league hockey team? – Charlestown Chiefs

183. Which Canadian rock band wrote the song “The Hockey Song”? – Stompin’ Tom Connors

184. What is the name of the hockey-themed Tim Hortons trading card game? – NHL Upper Deck Hockey Cards

185. In the TV show “How I Met Your Mother”, which character is a big Minnesota Wild fan? – Marshall Eriksen

186. What is the name of the hockey-playing character in the “Peanuts” comic strip? – Woodstock

187. Which famous hockey player voiced himself in “The Simpsons” episode “Lisa on Ice”? – Wayne Gretzky

188. What is the title of the book by Ken Dryden about his experiences as an NHL goalie? – “The Game”

189. In the movie “Mystery, Alaska”, what professional team plays against the local team? – New York Rangers

190. What is the name of the sports bar in the Canadian TV show “Corner Gas”? – Dog River Hotel

191. Which NHL team’s mascot starred in its own video game called “Hit the Ice”? – San Jose Sharks (S.J. Sharkie)

192. What is the name of the hockey player character in the video game series “Mario Sports Mix”? – None (There is no specific hockey player character)

193. In the movie “The Love Guru”, what was the name of the Toronto Maple Leafs player? – Darren Roanoke

194. Which Canadian band wrote the song “Fifty Mission Cap” about Bill Barilko? – The Tragically Hip

195. What is the name of the hockey-themed board game produced by Strat-O-Matic? – Strat-O-Matic Hockey

196. In the TV show “Schitt’s Creek”, which character briefly plays for a local hockey team? – Ted Mullens

197. What is the title of the documentary about the Soviet national ice hockey team? – “Red Army”

198. Which hockey player had a cameo in the movie “Grown Ups”? – Chris Chelios

Miscellaneous Hockey Trivia

199. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL’s leading goal scorer? – Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy

200. Which NHL team’s name is also a slang term for U.S. dollars? – Buffalo Sabres (“Sabers” is slang for dollars)

201. What is the name of the only NHL trophy that a player in the minor leagues can win? – Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award (AHL Rookie of the Year)

202. Which NHL mascot was arrested for assault in 1994? – Harvey the Hound (Calgary Flames)

203. What is the name of the statistical category that combines goals and assists? – Points

204. Which NHL team’s name is a tribute to a World War I battalion? – Toronto Maple Leafs

205. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the player who best combines sportsmanship with a high level of playing ability? – Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

206. Which NHL team’s logo features the letter “C” with flames? – Calgary Flames

207. What is the name of the only father-son duo to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP? – Gordie Howe and Mark Howe

208. Which NHL team’s mascot is named “Fin”? – Vancouver Canucks

209. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward? – Frank J. Selke Trophy

210. Which NHL arena has a statue of Gordie Howe outside it? – Little Caesars Arena (Detroit Red Wings)

211. What is the name of the only NHL trophy that can be won by a team staff member? – Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award

212. Which NHL team’s logo features a Viking ship? – Minnesota Wild (hidden in the landscape of their logo)

213. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender? – Vezina Trophy

214. Which NHL team’s mascot is a polar bear named “Nordy”? – Minnesota Wild

215. What is the name of the only trophy in professional sports that has the names of all winners engraved on it? – Stanley Cup

216. Which NHL team’s logo features a penguin holding a hockey stick? – Pittsburgh Penguins

217. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman? – James Norris Memorial Trophy

218. Which NHL team’s mascot is a duck named “Wild Wing”? – Anaheim Ducks

219. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL player who shows the most leadership qualities? – Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award

220. Which NHL team’s logo features a note from sheet music? – St. Louis Blues

Conclusion

From the early days of frozen cow dung pucks to modern composite sticks, hockey has evolved dramatically.

We’ve covered everything from Stanley Cup trivia to international tournaments and even hockey’s influence on pop culture.

This knowledge deepens your appreciation for the game and makes you a formidable opponent at your next trivia night.

So, what’s next? Why not challenge your friends with these questions or use them to spark conversations about your favorite hockey moments?

Better yet, share your unique hockey trivia in the comments below. Who knows? Your fact might make it into our next list.

Keep your stick on the ice and your mind full of hockey knowledge!