So, my friends are telling me about this little known local team that plays some unknown game called "hockey." Apparently, they are a big time team, though no one around here really knew about them before 2 weeks ago, and they are in the Stanley Cup, which is some championship.

My question to hockey fans is this: Could someone explain the rules to me in a clear, concise manner? Wikipedia just isn't cutting it, and I can't very well enjoy this game(which seems like a fun game I would like to know more about) if I do not understand the rules. One of my friends wants me to go to the game on Monday with him if the Hurricanes lose, and I would like to know a little about the game before I go. So, can some of the wise hockey fanatics share their wealth of knowledge to a neophyte?