Ice Hockey for Dummies
Key Terms/ Facts
Penalty Box- The place you go if you get a penalty during the game, unless you get a game misconduct.
Sin Bin- AKA the penalty box.
Zebra- AKA the referees.
Icing- The removal of the puck from the defensive zone, that goes across the goal line of the opposite side. This can be waved off if the goalie at that end touches the puck, if a player from either side catches up to the puck before it reaches the goal line, or if the team that shot is shorthanded.
Two Line Pass- When you pass the puck across two lines to one of your teammates.
Crease- The goalie's territory.
Breakaway- When the player with the puck passes the opponent's defensemen and moves in on the goalie for a shot on goal.
Blueliner- A goal scored by a defenseman from the blue line.
Neutral Zone- The space between the two blue lines where neither team has the upper hand.
Hat Trick- Three goals scored by the same person in the same game. A common tradition is to throw hats on the ice.
Natural Hat Trick- Three goals scored in a row by the same person in the same game.
The Puck- Three inches round, one inch thick, rubber, black, and hurts a lot if you get hit by one without pads.
Sieve- A goalie who lets the puck go in his net a lot (AKA not a very good goalie).
Shutout- When a goalie is not scored on the entire game.
Power Play- When one team has more players on the ice than the other team due to penalties.
Shorthanded Goal- A goal scored by a team that is down one of more players because of penalties.
Point, or Point Man- Usually defensemen, this person stays near the blue line when the puck in it the offensive zone, and helps set up for a goal. For example, if the puck was involved in a huge scuffle in front of the net, you would try to pass to your point so it takes attention away from the big scuffle and also gives the point an opportunity to score.
Common Penalties
Off Sides- Player crosses the opponent's blue line before the puck. Also if your player is already in the offensive zone and you pass them the puck from behind the blue line.
Checking From Behind- Where a player hits another player without them knowing it's coming. This is seen as a minor misconduct, so the offender sits for 10 minutes, and another player sits for two.
Tripping- Where a player uses their stick, or part of their body to trip the person with the puck. If this occurs on a breakaway, a penalty shot may be rewarded [by the referee] to the person who was tripped.
Interference- A disturbance away from the play (action involving the puck). Most commonly occurs in front of the net.
Game Misconduct- Given most often for players who fight.
High Sticking- Where a player swats at the puck in midair, or having your stick above the opponent's shoulder level.
Holding- Deliberately holding onto another player to slow them down (or stop them).
Unsportsmanlike Conduct- Fighting players, talking too much trash, fighting the referee's decisions.
The Positions
Forwards/Offense- Three players who try to score:
Center- Forward who takes face-offs (and tries to WIN them).
Right Wing- Forward who plays on the [goalie's] right side of the rink.
Left Wing- Forward who plays on the [goalie's] left side of the rink.
Defense- There are two defensemen. Their jobs are to help the goalie, stop the puck, and get it to their offensive players. If they fail, the goalie is alone to save the goal or be scored on.
Goalie- The player with the huge pads who hangs around the net. He either stops the puck or lets it go in the net.
Special Players
Captain- The leader of the team, usually the most responsible. Most sportsmanlike. They encourage their team mates when morale is low and are respectful most of the time. Captains and Alternate Captains are the ones who can ask referees the reason a goal is waved off, or why a particular penalty was called. Captains wear a "C" patch on their jersey front(left breast) to identify themselves.
Alternate Captains- Usually there are only two Alternate Captains. They do basically the same jobs as their Captain, and wear an "A" patch on their jersey fronts (left breast) to identify themselves.
Types of Shots/ Goals
Slapshot- Where you lift your stick off the ice and shoot as hard as you can.
Wrap around- Handling the puck around the back of the net, to the other side, and scoring- if the goalie doesn't notice.
Wrist Shot- When you pull the puck back and shoot it forward.
One-timer- When a teammate passes you the puck and you shoot it instantly, instead of stopping it.
Snap Shot- When you have the puck and you quickly flick your wrists.
Backhand- When you hit the puck off the back of your stick and score (or pass the puck).
Checking
Bodycheck- Numping your opponent to get the puck away form them.
Sweep Check- A slap at the puck to get it loose form your opponent's stick.
Poke Check- Similar to the sweep check, but mostly used by defensemen.
Forecheck- Going into the offensive zone after an opponent who has to puck, then getting them out of the play.
Hockey Equipment
-Jersey
-Stockings/ Socks
-Jock/Jill Strap, and Cup
-Garter Belt
-Skates
-Shoulder Pads
-Elbow Pads
-Helmet and mask
-Shin Guards
-Gloves
-Hockey Pants ("Breezers")
-Hockey Stick (and tape)