Every hockey game begins with a faceoff at center ice, and every restart after a stoppage begins the same way. Two opposing players line up across from each other, and the referee drops the puck between them. From there, play continues until something causes a whistle.

Whistles stop play for a variety of reasons. The puck might leave the playing surface, a goalie might freeze the puck, or a rule violation like offside, icing, or a penalty might occur. Some stoppages are obvious, while others happen quickly and can be easy to miss for new fans. Regardless of the reason, once the whistle blows, play immediately stops.

After a stoppage, players reset at the appropriate faceoff dot and the game resumes almost instantly. This quick reset is part of what gives hockey its unique rhythm. The game is designed to keep moving, with stoppages acting as brief pauses rather than long breaks in action.