What is Deck Hockey?

In its early days, Street Hockey was played (as it is still today in many areas) in tennis courts, driveways, school yards, parking lots, gyms and in the streets. Known by many names such as Road Hockey, Ball Hockey, Floor Hockey and Street Hockey. The game was played throughout the United States and Canada, with worn out, cast away hockey equipment, home made goals, punctured tennis balls, a few rules but plenty of enthusiasm.

Street Hockey was elevated from the neighborhood game to an organized sport in the early 1970's in Leominster, Massachusetts, when a group of hockey enthusiasts introduced three essentials to make the game into a sport. A regulation rink (160' x 80') in which to play, a no-bounce ball which replaced a puck and a set of official playing rules which governed the game. This group of dedicated individuals then developed programs including League formation, age divisions, referee training and certification along with Regional, National and International tournaments which accelerated the growth of the sport nationwide.

Organized Street Hockey today uses the name Dekhockey in many areas and features light weight equipment designed for a fast paced, action packed game under an official set of rules, organized leagues and rink facilities. The sport is played by boys and girls in all age divisions from 4 years to over 40 years. The Regional, National and International tournament for all age groups bring together over 500 teams and 10,000 players every year.

Street Hockey/Dekhockey is a running game played similar to ice hockey with the exception that body checking is not allowed. Running, stickhandling, passing and shooting are the basic qualities which provide an exciting and fast game. Leagues and tournaments are played in official rinks on all weather playing surface and under the Official Street Hockey/Dekhockey rules. Play consists of 3 periods with officiating and scorekeeping.

Organized Street Hockey/Dekhockey is flourishing throughout the United States and Canada and is now being played under these official rules in Finland and Japan.

Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League is a non-profit organization.