I’m sure when hockey originated that all sorts of items were used to make goal posts and nets. It there were no backboards on the playing surface then players had to track down whatever was being used as a puck after a goal was scored as there was nothing to stop it. All of this changed around the 1890s as the first hockey nets were introduced to the sport. It is believed that fishing nets were attached to the goalposts to avoid arguments over goals, and of course to keep from losing the puck in the snow. The idea quickly spread and around 1900 it was common to see hockey nets being used around the world.
An official hockey net is six feet wide and four feet high and is secured into the ice. However, the nets will give and lift from the ice on heavy impact to prevent players from crashing into them and being seriously injured. You can buy portable hockey nets to use on the street, pond, outdoor rinks and school gyms. Hockey nets are available in different weights and materials and they also come in different sizes for youngsters.
