How Many Hockey Players Are on a Team? In the NHL, each game is played with a maximum of 18 skaters and 2 goalies. Teams typically organize players into four forward lines and three defensive pairs. When you dive into the world of hockey, you quickly realize there's more to it than just the thrill of the game – there's a whole bunch of players to keep track of on that ice. … [Read more...] about How Many Hockey Players Are on a Team?