Field lacrosse and hockey have plenty of similarities. Both are stick sports that involve physical contact, fast-paced gameplay, and a high level of skill and athleticism.
However, there are also many differences between the two sports. I’ll take a look at the biggest in this article.
Ice Versus Grass
One of the most significant differences is the playing surface. Hockey is played on ice, while lacrosse is typically played on a grass or turf field.
This difference in playing surface affects the equipment used, the style of play, and the overall pace of the game.
Field/Court Dimensions
A lacrosse field has a length of 110 yards long and a width of 60 yards. In contrast, hockey is played on an ice rink that is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide.
The size of the field/court affects the way the game is played. Players in lacrosse have more space to move around compared to hockey players.
Differences In Equipment
Both lacrosse and hockey require players to wear protective gear.
Players in both sports wear helmets, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and a mouthguard.
But that’s where the similarities end.
The obvious gap is in the footwear. Of course, ice hockey players wear skates. Lacrosse players wear cleats.
There is also a big difference in the sticks in both sports.
Lacrosse sticks have a netted pocket to carry and pass the ball.
Hockey sticks have a blade to shoot and pass the puck.
Differences In Rules
I won’t go through the rule books for each sport because that would be way too boring. I’ll just point out a couple of aspects here that relate to scoring.
Goals are worth a point in both sports but hockey has the concept of assists. This means that a player who passes the puck to the player who scores the goal also gets a point.
Lacrosse has a shot clock that requires teams to take a shot within a certain amount of time. In contrast, hockey does not have a shot clock.
Physical Demands
When it comes to the physical demands of the two sports, there are some key differences.
Lacrosse players need to have excellent hand-eye coordination and stick skills, as well as the ability to run and change direction quickly.
Hockey players, on the other hand, need to be able to skate quickly and maintain balance on the ice while also controlling a puck and navigating around other players.
Another key difference between the two sports is the amount of physical contact involved.
While both sports involve physical contact, hockey is known for its aggressive body-checking and physical play.
Lacrosse, on the other hand, is a non-contact sport at the youth level. Even at higher levels of play, physical contact is limited to stick checking and body positioning.
Injury Differences
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in both sports.
In lacrosse, the most common injuries are minor strains, sprains, and bruises. However, more serious injuries can occur, such as concussions and broken bones.
In hockey, players are at risk of a variety of injuries, including cuts, bruises, broken bones, and concussions.
Additionally, hockey players are at risk of dental injuries due to the lack of facial protection.
Differences In Popularity
Both lacrosse and hockey are popular sports in North America, but hockey is more widely played and watched.
Hockey is considered the national sport of Canada and has a strong following in the United States as well.
Lacrosse, on the other hand, is more popular in certain regions, such as the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada.
If you want playing numbers and viewing figures, check out our article on the popularity of lacrosse.
Accessibility
Hockey can be more expensive to play due to the cost of equipment and rink time.
Lacrosse, on the other hand, is more affordable and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Lacrosse equipment can be rented or purchased at a reasonable cost. Many communities offer free or low-cost clinics and camps for beginners.
