It is frozen before use to prevent it from bouncing on the ice. Some slapshots travel up to 100 mph. Speeds of 120 mph have been recorded by some of the hardest shooters. To add to a goaltender's problems, the puck often curves in flight making its path difficult to predict. Regulation size for an AHL rink is 200' x 85'.
Some rinks vary slightly.
Lingo Backchecking - Attempts by a forward to regain the puck on their way back to the defending zone. Boarding - Violently forcing an opponent into the boards. Body check - Slowing or stopping an opponent with the puck with the hip or shoulder. The puck carrier getting in front of every opponent except the goalkeeper. Hitting an opponent with the end of the stick farthest from the blade.