A face-off in hockey marks a pivotal moment where the ebb and flow of the game takes shape. Simply put, a face-off is the method employed to restart play or initiate a game.
It involves an official dropping the puck between two opposing players, both strategically poised around a designated face-off circle.
This orchestrated encounter sets the stage for a rapid, skillful battle as teams vie for immediate puck possession.
The location of the face-off is determined by the official, with specific zones on the ice dictating whether it occurs in the offensive, defensive, or neutral areas.