<P> While the game 's origins lie elsewhere , Montreal is at the centre of the development of the sport of contemporary ice hockey , and is recognized as the birthplace of organized ice hockey . On March 3 , 1875 , the first organized indoor game was played at Montreal 's Victoria Skating Rink between two nine - player teams , including James Creighton and several McGill University students . Instead of a ball or bung , the game featured a `` flat circular piece of wood '' ( to keep it in the rink and to protect spectators ) . The goal posts were 8 feet ( 2.4 m ) apart ( today 's goals are six feet wide ) . </P>
<P> While the game 's origins lie elsewhere , Montreal is at the centre of the development of the sport of contemporary ice hockey , and is recognized as the birthplace of organized ice hockey . On March 3 , 1875 , the first organized indoor game was played at Montreal 's Victoria Skating Rink between two nine - player teams , including James Creighton and several McGill University students . Instead of a ball or bung , the game featured a `` flat circular piece of wood '' ( to keep it in the rink and to protect spectators ) . The goal posts were 8 feet ( 2.4 m ) apart ( today 's goals are six feet wide ) . </P>
when was the first ice hockey game played
when was the first ice hockey game played
March 3 , 1875
March 3 , 1875