Ice Hockey Puck
Ball Sports · 7 specs
Direct Answer
Official ice hockey pucks are regulated by the National Hockey League (NHL Rule 13) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). A regulation puck is made of vulcanized rubber measuring exactly 3.0 in (7.62 cm) in diameter, 1.0 in (2.54 cm) in thickness, and weighing 5.5–6.0 oz (156–170 g). Game pucks are frozen for several hours prior to gameplay to eliminate surface bounce.
Source: NHL Official Rules Rule 13 / IIHF Official Rule Book Section 1 Rule 13 · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Diameter | 7.62 cm (3.00 in ±0.03 in) |
| Thickness | 2.54 cm (1.00 in ±0.03 in) |
| Mass / Weight | 156.0–170.0 g (5.50–6.00 oz) |
| Material Composition | Vulcanized Rubber and Carbon Black Compound Durometer ~90A |
| Edge Pattern | Diamond Cross-Hatch Knurling Friction grip for hockey stick blades |
| Pre-Game Temperature Protocol | -10 to -12 °C (14 to 10 °F) frozen for minimum 4 hours |
| Junior / Training Puck (Blue) | 113.4 g (4.0 oz) 3-inch blue rubber for youth players |
Vulcanization & The Pre-Game Freezing Mandate
- Pre-Game Freezing: NHL and IIHF regulations mandate that all game pucks be stored in a dedicated freezer inside the penalty box at -10 to -12 °C (14–10 °F) for at least 4 hours before puck drop. Freezing dampens the vulcanized rubber's elasticity, preventing the puck from bouncing wildly off ice imperfections.
- Diamond Edge Knurling: The perimeter cylindrical edge is embossed with diamond-patterned grooves that interlock with stick blade tape to facilitate controlled saucer passes and high-speed spin stability.