Hockey
Game Guide

Hockey Games Glossary C

Cage

jargon for the goal cage.

Carom

term for puck rebound.

Catching Glove

goalie glove worn on the hand not holding the stick.

Caught up Ice

term for player who is caught in the attacking zone while the challengers are attacking at the opposite end.

Center

refers to the center position of a team's forward line. Duties are to move the puck into the attacking zone, handle face offs and pass to other teammates.

Center Ice Circle or Spot

refers to area at center rink where face offs take place after a goal is scored and to begin a period of hockey play.

Center the Puck

maneuvering the puck from the attack zone to the front of the goal cage.

Center Ice

area known as the neutral zone.

Centering Pass

player action that centers the puck.

Center Line

hockey games glossary reference for the red line.

Change on the Fly

tactic to perform a line change while play action is in progress.

Charging

action of body checking by taking a couple of steps beforehand, generally resulting in a minor or major (injury occurs) penalty.

Check

refers to either a body or stick check where the intent is to slow a challenger or take possession of the puck.

Checking Line

hockey games glossary reference for line of defensive players.

Cherry Picking

a player who plays offense and no defense, hoping to get an easy shot on goal.

Chippy

a player who is out of control and assertive on the ice, particularly aggressive in speech or physicality.

Clear

movement to get the puck out of the way of your goalie or defensive zone by deflecting or passing the puck.

Clear the Zone

move to get out of the attacking zone so the play is not called offside when the puck enters.

Coast to Coast

take the puck from one end of the ice to the other and scoring without assistance. A rewarding journey!

Corner

refers to the 4 portions of the rink area where sideboards and end boards meet.

Cover

defensive strategy to skate close to a challenger who may receive passes.

Crease

the area marked by blue ice in front of each goal where the goalie plays.

Cross Bar

term for 6 ft horizontal bar along the top of the goal posts.

Crosschecking

striking an opponent with the stick using both hands—definitely penalty worth.

Hockey Players Terms D

Dangler

an expert stick handler that moves through the defense with ease.

Dead Puck

jargon for a puck that has left the rink or caught by a player.

Defenseman or Defensive Line

usually 2 on the ice for each team, stationed close to their goalie and whose main duty is to prevent the opposition from scoring.

Defensive Zone

the zone marked by the blue line on either end of the ice.

Deflection

puck movement where it changes direction upon hitting a player or object.

Deke or Decoy

player movement designed to trick a challenger, a fake motion using the puck or body. Gotcha!

Delayed Offside

game official who delays blowing the whistle because a defender has obtained control of the puck near the blue line. Should the player lose that possession, the offside is called.

Delayed Penalty

game official who delays blowing the whistle because the penalized team has 2 players in the box, therefore, the delay will be called when 1 of those players is back on the ice. Also occurs when a non-penalized player has possession of the puck in a possible scoring position, thus is called when the penalized team regains possession.

Delay of Game

several events can occur that will incur a penalty. Examples are deliberately freezing the puck, moving the goal posts out of position, subbing delays or shooting the puck out of the playing area.

Dive

a player who fakes or embellishes contact or a player's actions in order to get a penalty called on their opponent.

Double Minor

refers to a 4-minute penalty when an injury occurs or two violations occur for the same play action.

Drop Pass

hockey players terms for a pass left directly behind for a teammate to advance play.

Drop the Gloves

fighting between players in course of a game.

Hockey Players Terms E

Elbowing

hitting an opponent using the elbow—penalty worth.

Empty Net

term for a goalie-less net, usually a strategic play to sub another player for the goalie.

Empty Net Goal

possible result of an empty net.

Enforcer

send out the enforcer when an opposing player is practicing over-the-top roughness.

Extra Attacker

the act of putting an extra player on the ice, achieved by pulling the goalie.

Extra Skater

is employed to either replace the goalie or offer support during a delayed penalty.

Hockey Players Terms F

Face Mask

protective equipment used by the goalie. Mandatory for this contact sport.

Face-off

how play begins, two players in the center of the ice meet and the puck is dropped. The players then proceed to try to knock the puck to a teammate.

Face-off Circles

30 ft. in diameter, located at center rink and two at each end of the rink for a total of five.

Face Wash

jargon for when a player is rubbed across the face with the opponent's glove.

Falling on the Puck

player, other than the goalie who intentionally falls, traps or handles the puck—penalty worthy.

Fan

a shot where the player misses the puck with his stick and hits nothing but air.

Feed

refers to feeding a teammate with a pass.

Fisticuffs

a confrontation during the game in which fists are used=a fight.

Five Hole

jargon for the opening between a goalie's leg pads.

Five on Three

a situation where one team has two players with penalties who are currently in the penalty box.

Five on Five

hockey players terms for both teams at full strength.

Flat Pass

term for a sliding pass.

Flip Pass

movement of a wrist snap by a player that lifts the puck off the ice.

Flip Shot

same as above, however, the goal is the target.

Forecheck

term for checking challengers in their defensive zone in order to gain possession of the puck.

Forehand

shot/pass attempted from the stick hand part of the body.

Forward

player who is part of the forward line that also includes right and left wing players.

Foul

penalty worthy.

Freeze the Puck

stoppage of play by holding the puck against the boards or the back of the net with player's skate or stick.

Full Strength

highest level of play with 6 six players on the ice.

Hockey Players Terms G

Game

consists of 3-20 minute periods.

Game Misconduct

penalty that generally results in a rejection for the balance of game time, however offending team does not play short-handed.

Game Timekeeper

game official who monitors and calls any portion of the game that involves measuring time.

Gate

another term for penalty box.

Garbage Goal

a goal scored 1) when the goal player is caught out of position or 2) a goal scored that doesn't matter, typically against the opponents lesser players when the game is out of hand.

Get the Jump

jargon for rapid skate movement ahead of the challengers. A speed skater in action!

Give-and-go

passing in this sequence, player 1 passes to player 2; at which time player 1 moves forward to receive rapid return pass.

Glass

protective material located on top of the boards for the benefit of both fans and players.

Glove Hand

hockey players terms for equipment used by goalie.

Glove Save

refers to a save using this equipment.

Goal

the act of putting the puck entirely in the net. Team that scores the most goals wins.

Goal Cage

measuring 6 X 4 ft to include a net, crossbar and 2 goal posts stationed on the goal line.

Goal Crease

located in front of the net and the regulations prohibit other players from interfering with the goal tending.

Goal Judge

game official who monitors and calls a valid goal when the entire puck has crossed and landed between the goal posts. Goal is signaled by a red light.

Goal Line

term for red line marking between the goal posts.

Goals Against

refers to number of goals that got past the goalie and/or team.

Goaltender

duties are to stop the puck and be sufficiently protected to avoid injury. While penalties are assessed, that are designed to shield the goalie, should he/she receive a penalty, another team player will serve the time.

Goon

hockey players terms for a rough and tough player.

Gordie Howe Hat Trick

scoring a goal, getting an assist and getting into a fight, normally all in the same period or during the course of a single game qualifies.Tip of the hat to this player!

Green Light

signal that a playing period is over.

Gross Misconduct

most definitely penalty worthy to the tune of ejection for the balance of the game plus an automatic fine for players and/or other team members.

Hockey Game Terms H

Hand Pass

player passing the puck with their hand. This is only legal inside a team's defensive zone.

Hash Marks

lines on face off circles.

Hat Trick

huge triumph in hockey—3 or more goals in the same game.

Head Man

term for moving the puck forward to a teammate.

High Stick

occurs when one player hits another in the head or shoulders with his stick.

Hip Check

another term for body check.

Holding

act of holding either an opposing player or his/her stick—penalty worthy.

Home Team

sporting the lighter jerseys, this team is playing in their venue.

Hook Check

motion to trap by placing the stick in front of the puck near your opponent.

Hooking

penalty worth when using your stick against an opposing player.

Howitzer

a very hard and fast slap shot. A Sizzler!

Hoser

the losing team that was required to hose down the ice in order to resurface it, prior to the invention and use of the Zamboni.

Hockey Game Terms I - K

Ice Time

time measurement for amount of ice play by an individual player.

Icing

the puck crossing two lines without being touched by an opponent.

Interference

occurs when a player checks a challenger who does not have the puck unless after this same challenger has taken a shot. Penalty worthy.

Intermission

15 minute break between periods.

J shot

shot made with the stick going in the motion of the letter J.

Kick Save

using his skate or leg, the goalie has stopped or saved the puck from scoring.

Kill a Penalty

refers to knee action of hitting an opponent during a power play—penalty worthy.

Hockey Game Terms L

Laser

for a very hard shot. A Rocket to be sure!

Lead Pass

term for pass forward to skating teammate.

Left Wing

a forward who works the left area of the ice and is likely a left-handed shooter.

Light the Lamp

another term for the scoring of a goal.

Line

group of forwards that play well together as a mini-team.

Line Brawl

hockey game terms for an all out brawl usually involving all players on the ice (both lines).

Line Change

putting in a fresh line-up who is ready to go.

Linesmen

game officials who monitor and call offside fouls, icing, do face offs and advise the referee, however their duties do not include calling penalties.

Loose Puck

go get it because no one else has it.

Hockey Game Terms M - N

Major Penalty

penalty worthy for 5 long minutes and the player remains in the box even if the opposing team scores. Assigned for serious stuff such as fighting and spearing.

Man Advantage

one more player on the ice than the other team.

Match

is a hockey game providing exciting action for players and fans.

Match Penalty

a plus penalty worthy infraction that includes game suspension and a substitute player must serve the entire time of 5 minutes in the penalty box even if the opposing team scores.

Minor Penalty

offending player stays in the box for 2 minutes unless the other team scores before then.

Minutes Played

player's ice time used to determine the goals against average and similar stats.

Misconduct Penalty

another long penalty worthy infraction—10 minutes for fighting or badmouthing an official, however, the team does not play short-handed.

Natural Hat Trick

scoring three goals in a row, in a single game without another player from either team scoring a goal. A feat to be admired.

NHL

National Hockey League

Netminder

hockey game terms for the goalie.

Neutral Zone

term for region between the blue lines.

Hockey Game Terms O

Odd Man Rush

when the offensive team enters into their offensive zone thus outnumbering the players on defense.

Offensive Zone

also known as the attacking zone.

Official Scorer

game official who monitors and records the stats in relation to goals scored, subs and assists.

Offside

is when a player on the attacking team enters the attacking zone before the puck enters the zone, whether it is carried by a teammate or by an attacking player. If an attacking player is trying to shoot the puck into the attacking zone and it deflects off a defending player, an offside violation may be called. When there is an offside, the linesman calls the play stopped and there is a face off in the neutral zone closest to where the offside occurred.

Off Wing

this player is on the other side from what he/she usually plays—a left wing playing right area of the ice and vice-versa.

Officials

they are everywhere on and off the ice, up to as many as 8 in the position of referee, linesmen, game and penalty timekeepers and goal judges.

One Man Back

hockey game terms that refers to the vulnerable scenario of only one defenseman between the goaltender and the attackers.

One-timer

puck that is rapidly fired as soon as it is received, no stopping here.

Open Ice

wide-open area where there are no challengers around.

Overtime

a tie game is handled two ways in the NHL. Overtime is 5 minutes to sudden death during regular season and during playoffs=20-minute overtime period(s) are played until a goal is scored.

Hockey Game Terms P

Pad Save

the goalie using a leg pad to stop the puck.

Paddle

hockey game terms for the wide part of the goalie stick.

Pass-out

from behind the net, the puck is targeted to a teammate in front of the net.

Penalty

this is your punishment for being penalty worth.

Penalty Boxes

one for each team—keep 'em separated; this is where players serve their time.

Penalty Killer

skillful players in the art of checking and puck handling whose duties are to prevent a score by the other team during a power play.

Penalty Minutes

amount of time by a player or team spent 'in the box'.

Penalty Shot or Shootout

occurs after a tie-game or specific violations. Player(s) go up against the lone opposing goalie in turn to score.

Penalty Timekeeper

game official who monitors and records penalties.

Period

term for 20 minutes of play X 3 for a regular game.

Pipe

jargon for goal post.

Playmaker

someone who has the uncanny ability to create chances to score, usually ending with he/she garnering many assists.

Playoff Beard

growing a beard for as long as the playoffs last. One of the many superstitions in sports.

Point

three references here

a) player credit for goal or assist. b) teams receive 2 points for a game win and 1 for a tie or loss after overtime. c) inside the challenger's blue line where you will find a defenseman when his team has possession of the puck in the zone.

Poke Check

ouch! you just jabbed me with your stick.

Policeman

hockey game terms for the enforcer of the team.

Power Forward

a forward who is large, tough and skilled.

Power Play

advantageous position for the team who has an extra player on the ice while the other team is on penalty.

Power Play Goal

team used for goal scored during the power play time period.

Puck

that black rubber disc that all the players want to possess—all 1X3 inches of it.

Puck Bunny

a hockey fan who is female, who likes the players rather than the game.

Puck-handler

the player who has that little black disc.

Pull the Goalie

get him outta there for a powerful forward, usually at the end of the game where there is only a 1-goal difference in score.

Pylon

a player who is unskilled and does little more than take up space on the ice.

Hockey Terms Defined R

Rag the Puck

jargon for playing around with the puck to keep it away from the opposition or run out the game clock.

Rebound

a shot on goal that bounces off the goalie or the crossbar in front of the net.

Red Light

He or She scores! as the goal judge turns on the light.

Red Line

marked line mid-ice between the goal lines. See centerline.

Referee

the big cheese of game officials who calls the majority of penalties.

Restraining Circle

refers to face off circle.

Rockered Blades

specialized equipment with rounded toe and heel to make for a quicker turn.

Right Wing

this forward works the right area of the ice and is likely a right-handed shooter.

Rink

there is a lot of room to play—200 X 85 feet.

Roster

meet your team players.

Roughing

if a player doesn't get into a fight, his/her penalty worthy is usually minor.

Rush

that puck is moving real fast into the attacking zone by 1 or more players.

Hockey Terms Defined S

Saucer Pass

a pass that gets up in the air, prior to reaching its destination.

Save

goalie has stopped a potential score.

Scramble

dust-up amongst players who all want that puck.

Screen

player stationed between the goal and a teammate who is in control of the puck.

Screen Shot

taking a shot at the opposing goalie that has diminished vision and readiness due to blocking player(s).

Shadow

player who is covering an opponent—where you go, I go.

Shaft

the straight part of the stick held in the hands adjoined to the blade.

Shooting Angle

refers to the player's position at the time of the shot.

Short-handed

occurs during a power play when one team has an extra player on the ice.

Short-handed Goal

the extra player paid off resulting in a goal scored.

Short Side

the goalie is closing the gap on the side of the goal cage creating a smaller area to make a shot.

Shot on Goal

the act of propelling the puck toward the goal. It is deemed a shot on goal if it would go into the net without being stopped by the goaltender.

Shoulder Deke

faked ya with that move using the shoulder.

Shutdown Player

a player that is a defensive specialist.

Shutout

match where one team scores nada, zilch, nothing.

Sideboards

boards along the side of the rink between the goal lines.

Sin Bin

hockey terms defined for the penalty box.

Slap Shot

a whizzer where the player raises the stick full back and uses full strength on the shot.

Slashing

penalty worthy up to a major if injury occurs and even when the target is missed. Term refers to swinging the stick at a challenger when it is below the shoulders.

Sleeper

player who sneaks into the center or neutral zone behind the defensemen. Also known as a floater or a hanger.

Slot

ideal area to score a goal as it is in front of the goal and a favored position of a center.

Slow Whistle

not yet--official decides to wait on the whistle blow because of a delayed offside or penalty call.

Smother the Puck

ok for the goalie, but penalty worthy for a player who hogs the puck with his body or hands.

Snap Pass

shot movement using a snap of the wrists.

Spearing

that jab at another's players body with a stick blade is penalty worthy from a minor to a game penalty if injury occurs.

Solo

player rush without assistance.

Split the Defense

skillful move between two defenders.

Stay at Home Defenseman

a defenseman who plays very little offense and is on the ice specifically as a defenseman.

Stick

required equipment and partner to the puck in this game. A hockey stick is no more than 63 inches long total and blade is between 2-3 inches while a goalie stick blade is usually 3-4 inches wide and can be as long as 15.5 inches.

Stick Check

the act of hitting an opponent's stick with your own.

Stick Deke

faking a shot, but actually getting past the defender.

Stickhandling

doing 2 things at once skillfully—moving down the ice with the puck.

Stick Save

goalie has stopped a potential score with his/her stick.

Stick Side

goalie's stick-holding side that is the opposite of glove side.

Stops

hockey terms defined for the equivalent of saves.

Substitution

incoming-outgoing exchange of teammates while play continues.

Sudden-death Overtime

game over when one team scores.

Sweep Check

act of getting the puck from a challenger by placing the shaft and blade flat on the ice.

Hockey Terms Defined T

Take the Body

jargon for body checking an opponent.

Third Man In

player who jumps in between two other players with the consequences of a game misconduct penalty.

Three-on-one

scenario where 3 attackers rush one defenseman.

Three-on-two

this time, it is 3 attackers rushing two defenseman.

Time Out

each team gets 30 seconds and 1 time out/game to develop strategy.

Too Many Players on the Ice

count those players because 1 or 2 should not be there, followed shortly by the official's whistle.

Trailer

right behind you waiting for that drop or backward pass.

Trap

strategy to curtail the opposing defense by trapping, then re-taking the puck.

Triangle

jargon for strategy of using a triangle formation when the team is without 2 players serving penalties.

Tripping

penalty worthy because the stick was used to trip an opponent.

Two-line Pass

shot moving across at least 2 lines without play, resulting in a face off.

Two-man Advantage

ultimate opportunity for a team that has 2 more players than the other team.

Two-on-one

hockey terms defined for 2 attackers versus 1 defenseman.

Two-on-two

term for 2 attackers versus 2 defenders.

Hockey Terms Defined U - Z

Under-led Pass

this is a tough pass to receive when the puck is behind or at one side.

Up Ice

moving on up to the attacking zone.

Waffle Pad

required goalie equipment worn on the stick hand.

Washout

refers to either the goal not being allowed or an offside/icing foul is not called.

Wing, Winger or Wingman

players on either side of the center that form the forward line.

Wrist Shot

a shot with a short windup relying on arm strength to propel it.

Zamboni

one of those truly memorable hockey terms defined=an ice-cleaning machine.

Zone

three zones on an ice rink, the offensive, defensive and neutral zones separated by the blue lines.