The term HOCKEY RINK can be broken down into two words, ICE and HOCKEY. ICE is a three letter word that refers to the surface on which hockey is played. Hockey rinks are typically made of a sheet of ICE, which is why it is referred to as an 'ICE rink'. The ICE is usually surrounded by boards to keep the puck in play and to protect spectators from flying pucks. Hockey rinks also have markings on the ICE to indicate the boundaries of the playing area and the goal creases.