By Chris Pryor
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

The question has come up regarding the use of Olympic size ice vs. NHL regulation that is standard in most rinks. For those who are unfamiliar with the size of each, the Olympic sheet is approximately 200 x 100 (2,700 sq. ft. larger), whereas the standard ice surface is 200 x 85. Those 15 feet might not seem like much but it can have quite an impact on the game itself.

To fully appreciate the discrepancy between the two, one should just go to a Wild game on one night and a Gopher game the next or vise versa. To say what is a better game is up to that individual and his or her taste for hockey.

I would agree that the bigger sheet makes the game more wide open and takes some of the physicality out of play. Now to say if that’s more exciting would depend again on the interpretation of “exciting.” To one person, an up-and-down physical game is entertaining where as a wide open, puck-controlled game is a better flavor for others.

The game of soccer might be used as a similar comparison to the hockey on Olympic ice. You either like the skill and poise of the game of soccer OR you think it’s too spread out and downright boring. It’s up the the preference of the individual.

I’m not exactly sure the bigger ice makes for a safer game. Just over a year or so ago, a young man was critically hurt in Finland that was reminiscent of our own Jack Jablonski. The game is doing its best to emphasize the speed and skill, but as long as the physicality exists, there are going to be unfortunate injuries in the game, regardless if it’s on Olympic ice or regulation.

Chris Pryor is the director of hockey operations for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is in charge of the amateur and pro scouting departments. A native of St. Paul, Pryor spent eight seasons as a scout for the Flyers. He played parts of six seasons in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars and New York Islanders. If you have a question for a pro hockey scout, e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .