When a referee drops the puck between the sticks of two opposing players, this happens. The opposing players then engage in a battle for possession of the puck. The faceoff takes place at center ice at the start of a game or period, or when a goal is scored. If the faceoff occurs in the offensive zone, each team will have a chance to score during the time they have the puck. If it's in the defensive zone, the opponent will have the first opportunity, and so on. In terms of rules, there are three ways that a player can lose a face-off: a minor penalty will cause the player to win the draw back from where he was called for the penalty; a major penalty will force the player to draw from where he entered the ice surface; a loss of control results in a free kick for the opposition. A face-off is important because it gives both teams equal opportunities to score goals. If one team has the advantage at the start of the game due to having the puck first, they can try to score as soon as possible by taking advantage of any open spaces on the ice. However, if the face-off is won by their opponents, these players will have the chance to defend themselves if someone tries to attack them with a shot. Face-offs are also important because they determine who gets the first opportunity to score.