Basic Game Structure
Professional women's ice hockey is played with two teams of up to 20 players each, though only 6 skate on the ice at a time. The game consists of 3 periods lasting 20 minutes each, with 15-minute breaks between periods. A game can end in regulation, overtime, or a shootout if the score is tied. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team by getting the puck into the opponent's net.
Contact and Physical Play Rules
One major difference from men's professional hockey is that most women's leagues prohibit body checking, which is when a player uses their body to hit an opponent into the boards or ice. This rule exists to reduce serious injuries. However, players can use their bodies defensively to shield the puck or block shots. Physical contact that is considered dangerous, such as checking from behind or hitting to the head, results in penalties regardless of league.
Common Penalties
Penalties are infractions that result in a player sitting in the penalty box for a set amount of time. Minor penalties last 2 minutes and include hooking, tripping, and holding. Major penalties last 5 minutes and include fighting or dangerous plays. If a player commits too many penalties, they can be ejected from the game. When a team has a player in the penalty box, that team plays with one fewer skater, giving the other team a power play advantage.
Offsides and Icing Rules
The offsides rule prevents players from waiting in the opponent's zone for easy scoring opportunities. A player cannot enter the offensive zone ahead of the puck. Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from their own side of the center line past the opponent's goal line without it being touched. The puck is returned to the player's own zone for a faceoff. These rules keep the game moving and prevent unfair advantages.
Equipment and Safety
Players must wear protective equipment including a helmet with a cage or visor, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and shin guards. Goalies wear additional heavy padding and a larger helmet with a mask. The equipment must meet safety standards set by the governing league. All players must wear the same color jersey as their teammates, and each player has a number on their back for identification.
Winning and Scoring
A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. A player who scores is awarded one point, and up to two players who assist in the goal also receive points. In regulation play, the team with the most goals wins. If the game is tied after three periods, most professional leagues use sudden-death overtime or a shootout to determine a winner. 
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