Hockey is a fast-paced ice sport played between two teams of six players each using sticks and skates to pass and shoot a puck into the opposing team's net. The origins of hockey can be traced back to northern Europe in the early 1800s where it was first played on frozen ponds and evolved from there. The basic equipment needed to play includes a helmet, skates, sticks, gloves and pads to protect players as they skate, pass, shoot and check on the ice.