5 reasons USA Hockey will win Olympic Gold
By Dave Lambert
2. Get used to Olympic ice – quickly!
As always, the ice pads used in international competition are bigger than those used in North America. Rinks in the NHL, AHL, ECHL and NCAA, not to mention junior hockey, are 200 feet long and 85 feet wide (with a couple of exceptions). Olympic-sized rinks, used in international competition, are also 200 feet in length, but 98 feet wide.
This may seem like a pretty minor difference, but it changes the entire dynamic of the game. From breakout plays to stretch passes, it makes a big difference. It is also tougher for defensemen to close gaps, and forces goaltenders adjust to different shooting angles.
This is usually seen as a disadvantage for the USA and Canada. It often takes them a while to make the adjustment and feel comfortable, compared to the European nations.
Team USA will have to make the adjustment quickly. And they may actually be better prepared to do so this year. Of America’s 25-man roster, 17 players ply their trade in Europe. That means there will be no adjustment period necessary, as they play on the bigger ice game in and game out.
All three USA goalies, are among those based in Europe this season. Ryan Zapolski plays in Finland, David Leggio plays in Germany, and Brandon Maxwell is in the Czech ELH. Goalies face perhaps the toughest challenge with the rink size change, so this is a huge bonus for the Americans.