Are you interested in learning more about ice hockey? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be discussing the different terms and phrases commonly used in the sport of ice hockey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fan, understanding these terms is essential to following the game and enjoying it to the fullest.
Ice hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport, but for those who are new to it, the terminology can be overwhelming. From “hat-trick” to “jerseying,” there are many words and phrases that you may not be familiar with. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the language of ice hockey and be able to follow along with the game like a pro. So, let’s get started!
Hockey Terms
The Basics of Hockey Terms
Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you are a player or a fan, understanding the basic hockey terms is essential to fully appreciate and enjoy the game. In this section, we will cover the fundamental hockey terms that will help you understand the game better.
Hockey Terms to Understand the Rink
Before we dive into the hockey terms, let’s first understand the rink. A hockey rink is divided into three main sections: the offensive zone, the defensive zone, and the neutral zone. Each zone has its own set of rules and terms associated with it.
The offensive zone is the area where the attacking team tries to score a goal. The defensive zone is the area where the defending team tries to prevent the attacking team from scoring. The neutral zone is the area between the offensive and defensive zones where the play is often transitioned from defense to offense or vice versa.
Hockey Terms for Player Positions
Hockey is played with six players on the ice at a time: three forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender. Each position has its own set of responsibilities and terms associated with it.
Forwards
Forwards are responsible for scoring goals and creating offensive opportunities. There are three types of forwards: center, left wing, and right wing.
| Forward Position | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Center | Takes faceoffs and is responsible for distributing the puck to teammates |
| Left Wing | Skates on the left side of the ice and is responsible for creating scoring opportunities |
| Right Wing | Skates on the right side of the ice and is responsible for creating scoring opportunities |
Defensemen
Defensemen are responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring goals. There are two types of defensemen: left defense and right defense.
| Defense Position | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Left Defense | Skates on the left side of the ice and is responsible for defending the left side of the rink |
| Right Defense | Skates on the right side of the ice and is responsible for defending the right side of the rink |
Goaltender
The goaltender, also known as the goalie, is responsible for stopping the opposing team from scoring goals. They are the last line of defense and wear specialized equipment to protect themselves from the puck.
Hockey Terms for Gameplay
Now that we understand the rink and player positions, let’s dive into some gameplay terms. These are the essential terms that you will hear during a hockey game.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Faceoff | A method of starting play where two opposing players stand opposite each other and try to win possession of the puck |
| Power Play | When one team has more players on the ice due to a penalty against the other team |
| Penalty Kill | When a team is short-handed due to a penalty and is trying to prevent the other team from scoring |
| Hat Trick | When a player scores three goals in a single game |
| Assist | When a player helps set up a goal by passing the puck to the goal scorer |
| Checking | The act of using physical contact to separate an opponent from the puck |
Offensive Hockey Terms
Offensive hockey terms refer to the different moves and strategies used by the attacking team to score goals. In this section, we will explore some of the most common offensive hockey terms.
Hockey Terms for Passing and Shooting
Passing and shooting are essential offensive skills in hockey. Players need to be able to pass the puck accurately and shoot it with power and precision. Here are some common terms related to passing and shooting:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| One-timer | A shot taken directly off a pass, without stopping or settling the puck |
| Slapshot | A powerful shot taken with a full wind-up, using the backswing to generate speed |
| Wrist shot | A quick, accurate shot taken with a flick of the wrist |
| Saucer pass | A pass that is lifted off the ice, like a frisbee, to avoid defenders |
| Backhand shot | A shot taken on the backhand side of the stick, requiring a different technique than a forehand shot |
Example sentence: “He scored a goal with a one-timer from the blue line.”
Hockey Terms for Scoring
Scoring is the ultimate goal of offensive play in hockey. Here are some common terms related to scoring:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hat trick | When a player scores three goals in a single game |
| Breakaway | When a player has a clear path to the opposing team’s net |
| Rebound | When a shot bounces off the goalie or the post and is available for another player to shoot |
| Top shelf | When a shot is aimed at the top corner of the net, usually considered the most difficult place for a goalie to stop |
Example sentence: “He completed a hat trick with a breakaway goal in the third period.”
Defensive Hockey Terms
In this section, we will cover some of the most common defensive hockey terms.
Hockey Terms for Goalkeeping
Goalkeeping is a crucial part of the defensive strategy in hockey. Here are some common goalkeeping terms:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blocker | A goalie’s blocker is a rectangular-shaped piece of equipment worn on the hand to block shots. |
| Glove hand | The hand a goalie uses to catch the puck. |
| Pads | The leg pads worn by goalies to protect their legs from shots. |
| Crease | The area in front of the goal where the goalie is allowed to play. |
Example sentences:
- The goalie used his blocker to stop the shot.
- The puck hit the goalie’s pads and bounced away from the net.
- The opposing player was in the crease, and the goal was disallowed.
Hockey Terms for Defending Strategies
There are various defending strategies used in hockey. Here are some common defending terms:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Forechecking | A strategy where players pressure the opposing team in their defensive zone. |
| Backchecking | A strategy where players skate back to their defensive zone to prevent the opposing team from scoring. |
| Penalty kill | A strategy where a team defends against an opposing team’s power play. |
| Zone defense | A strategy where players defend a specific area of the ice. |
Example sentences:
- The team’s forechecking was aggressive, causing the opposing team to make mistakes.
- The player’s backchecking prevented the opposing team from scoring on a breakaway.
- The team was successful in killing off the penalty.
- The team switched to a zone defense to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Hockey Terms for Penalties and Violations
In ice hockey, penalties and violations are common occurrences during gameplay. Understanding these terms is essential for any hockey fan or player. Here are some of the most important penalties and violations to know:
Hockey Terms for Penalties
Penalties are given to players who commit fouls during gameplay. These can range from minor infractions to major fouls that result in ejection from the game. Here are some common penalties:
| Penalty | Description |
|---|---|
| Minor Penalty | The least severe type of infraction, typically resulting in a two-minute penalty. |
| Double-Minor Penalty | Two consecutive minor penalties, resulting in a four-minute penalty. |
| Major Penalty | More severe than a minor penalty, resulting in a five-minute penalty. |
| Misconduct Penalty | A penalty given to a player who argues with the referee or displays unsportsmanlike conduct. Results in a 10-minute penalty. |
| Game Misconduct Penalty | A penalty given to a player who commits a serious foul, resulting in ejection from the game. |
| Match Penalty | The most severe penalty, resulting in ejection from the game and a suspension. Given for intentional injury or attempt to injure another player. |
Hockey Terms for Violations
Violations are minor infractions that do not result in a penalty but can lead to a faceoff or loss of possession. Here are some common violations:
- Offside: Occurs when a player enters the offensive zone before the puck.
- Icing: Occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center line and it crosses the opposing team’s goal line without being touched.
- Delay of Game: Occurs when a player intentionally delays the game by shooting the puck out of play or covering it with their hand.
Hockey Terms for Equipment
Hockey Terms for Player Gear
Here are some of the most common terms for the gear that hockey players wear:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Skates | Boots with metal blades that allow players to move quickly on the ice. |
| Shin guards | Protective pads worn on the shins to prevent injury from sticks and pucks. |
| Hockey pants | Padded pants worn to protect the hips, thighs, and tailbone. |
| Shoulder pads | Protective pads worn on the shoulders, chest, and upper arms. |
| Elbow pads | Protective pads worn on the elbows to prevent injury from falls and collisions. |
| Gloves | Protective gloves that allow players to grip their sticks while also protecting their hands. |
| Helmet | A protective helmet that covers the head and has a face cage or shield to protect the face. |
| Mouthguard | A protective device worn in the mouth to protect the teeth and jaw. |
Hockey Terms for Goalie Gear
Goalies wear a lot of specialized gear to protect themselves from pucks and sticks. Here are some of the most common terms for goalie gear:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Goalie mask | A specialized helmet that covers the entire head and face. |
| Chest protector | A padded vest worn to protect the chest and upper body. |
| Leg pads | Large, padded shin guards that extend up to cover the thighs. |
| Goalie pants | Padded pants worn to protect the hips, thighs, and tailbone. |
| Blocker | A padded glove worn on the hand to block shots. |
| Catcher | A glove worn on the hand to catch shots. |
| Stick | A specialized stick used by goalies to block shots and control rebounds. |
Advanced Hockey Terms
Positions
Hockey has six positions on the ice: center, left wing, right wing, defense, and goalie. However, there are also some more specialized positions that you may not be as familiar with:
- Enforcer: A player who is known for their physical play and ability to fight.
- Playmaker: A player who excels at setting up their teammates for scoring opportunities.
- Sniper: A player who is known for their ability to score goals from a distance or in tight spaces.
- Two-way forward: A player who is skilled at both offense and defense.
Plays
Here are some advanced plays that you may hear announcers or coaches talking about:
- Breakaway: When a player has a clear path to the opposing team’s net with no defenders in their way.
- One-timer: A shot taken immediately after receiving a pass, without stopping the puck first.
- Wraparound: When a player skates behind the opposing team’s net and tries to score by wrapping the puck around the post and into the net.
- Dump and chase: When a team dumps the puck into the opposing team’s zone and then chases after it to try to regain possession.
Penalties
Here are some advanced penalties that you may hear called:
- Boarding: When a player checks an opponent into the boards from behind.
- Cross-checking: When a player uses their stick to check an opponent in a crosswise motion.
- Misconduct: A penalty that results in a player being removed from the game for 10 minutes.
- Match penalty: A penalty that results in a player being ejected from the game and potentially suspended for future games.
Hockey Terms: Slang and Jargon
Nicknames for Teams
Hockey teams often have nicknames that are used by fans and players alike. Here are some of the most well-known:
| Team Nickname | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bruins | The Boston Bruins |
| Habs | The Montreal Canadiens |
| Leafs | The Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Blueshirts | The New York Rangers |
| Hawks | The Chicago Blackhawks |
Other Common Hockey Slang
There are many other words and phrases that are specific to hockey. Here are a few examples:
- Apple: An assist
- Barnburner: A high-scoring game
- Bender: A player whose ankles bend while they’re skating
- Bucket: A hockey helmet
- Chirp: Trash talk between players
- Dangle: A fancy move with the puck
- Flow: A player’s hairstyle
- Sauce: A pass that is lifted off the ice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hat trick in hockey?
A hat trick is a term used when a player scores three goals in a single game. The term originated in cricket, where it was used to describe a bowler taking three wickets in a row. In hockey, when a player scores a hat trick, fans often throw hats onto the ice in celebration.
What is a power play in hockey?
A power play occurs when one team has a player in the penalty box, giving the opposing team a numerical advantage on the ice. During a power play, the team with the extra player has a better chance of scoring a goal.
What is icing in hockey?
Icing is a rule in hockey that occurs when a player shoots the puck from their side of the red line across the opposing team’s goal line without it being touched by anyone else. When icing is called, play stops and the puck is brought back to the offending team’s end for a faceoff.
What is offsides in hockey?
Offsides is a rule in hockey that occurs when a player crosses the blue line into the offensive zone before the puck does. When offsides is called, play stops and the puck is brought back to the neutral zone for a faceoff.
What is a penalty shot in hockey?
A penalty shot is awarded to a player when they are fouled on a breakaway or when a player on the opposing team covers the puck in their own crease. The player is given a free shot on the opposing team’s goalie from center ice, with no other players on the ice except for the goalie.
What is a slapshot in hockey?
A slapshot is a type of shot in hockey where a player winds up and takes a full swing at the puck with their stick. The shot is typically taken from the blue line or further back and can be very powerful, often reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour.
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