Hockey Key Terms
Assist
Awarded to a player for helping to set up a goal. Usually awarded to the last two players to touch the puck before a teammate scores.
Back Check
To slow down or hinder an opponent in your defensive zone.
Body Check
To slow, stop, or knockdown a puck carrying opponent, usually with the hip or shoulder.
Blue Lines
Pair of rink-width blue lines 60 feet from each goal which divide the ice into offensive, defensive, and neutral zones.
Breakaway
A puck carrier skating toward the opponent's goal with no defender between him and the opposing goaltender.
Crease
Semi-circle in front of the goal, six feet in radius, usually painted blue.
Delayed Penalty
When the referee waits to stop play for a penalty until the offending team has possession and control of the puck or the puck has been frozen.
Faceoff
The means of restarting play. The referee or linesman drops the puck between two opposing centers who try to win possession of the puck.
Forecheck
To keep opponents in their defensive zone while trying to regain control of the puck.
Hat Trick
When one player scores three goals in one game.
Neutral Zone
The area between the two blue lines. Also known as center ice.
Penalty Box
The off ice area at center ice where players await the end of their penalty time.
Penalty Shot
An unopposed shot at the opponent's goal, with only the goaltender defending. Awarded to a puck carrier who is illegally impeded from behind when there is no opponent between the puck carrier and the opponent's goal. Also awarded if an opposing player other than the goaltender falls on the puck in his own goal crease or if the opposing team deliberately delays the game in the last two minutes of play.
Power Play
When one team has more players on the ice than the opposition due to one or more penalties called against the opposition.
Pulling the Goaltender
Replacing the goaltender with an extra skater in an attempt to score. A strategy usually used by a team trailing late in a game.
Shorthanded
When a team has one or two fewer players on the ice that the opposition because of penalties. SLAP SHOT: Shooting the puck after a full back swing.
Wrist Shot
Using a quick flick of the wrists to propel the puck off the blade of the stick.
