Player Positions
Generally, ice hockey is played with six players on the ice for each team. The team will consist of a goalie, two defensemen and three forwards. A forward line is comprised of three different positions: center, left wing and right wing.
Center
The center is typically the team .s quarterback. The center is the person who will direct play in both the offensive and defensive zones. Centers must be good on face-offs, capable passers and shooters, as well as, two-way players (they must be able to play and lead the team on offense and defense).
Left and Right Wings
Each wing on the forward line skates along the left or right side of the ice-surface, depending on their designated side. Different types of players may fill the winger positions. One type of player is a "checker". The checker .s primary job is to mark the other team .s good players and make sure they do not score goals. The second type of winger is the "grinder". This is a player who plays the body and works in the corners and along the boards. Grinders also provide offense and goals by working in the trenches. Scorers are the third type of winger. Generally, scorers possess good shots, speed and a nose for the goal.
Defensemen
The primary job of the defensemen is to defend their end of the ice and keep opposing teams from scoring. The secondary job of a team .s "blueliners" is to start the offensive breakout for their team. This usually involves making a critical first pass to the forwards when the team goes on the attack. Defensemen should demonstrate an ability to take the body, clear the front of their goal to improve the goalies sight lines, block shots and battle with opposing forwards in the corners, behind the net and along the boards. In addition, defensemen must have the ability to make precision passes and fire accurate shots on goal when their team makes the transition to offense.
Goaltender
Also referred to as the goalie, goalkeeper, or netminder. The goalie generally plays the entire game unless he is injured or is taken out of the game because of poor play. The primary job of the goalie is to prevent the opposition from scoring. The goalie is the last line of defense, therefore, a goaltender must have a keen hockey sense and be able to read and anticipate plays as they develop. Goalies also constantly talk to their defensemen and forwards in an effort to let them know what is happening around them.
The rules of hockey give the goaltender certain privileges that other players do not have. The goalie is the only player who can pick up, handle, or freeze the puck with his hand or body. Opposing players cannot make deliberate contact with the goaltender either inside or outside his goal crease.
A shot by an attacking player that would become a goal if not saved (stopped before the entire puck crosses the goal line), by the goalie is called a shot on net. Whether the shot is saved or it is a goal, it will still be considered a shot. Goaltenders can use many means to stop the puck from entering the net, however, the goalies may never throw their sticks at the puck. Such action results in a penalty shot for the opposition. In addition, to lying flat, the goaltender can block the shot with his gloves, his heavily padded arms and legs, or his stick. He may bat away a shot, scoop up the puck with his special catching glove, or push it away from the goal. However, when surrounded by the opposition the goaltender should hold onto the puck. When the goaltender stops the puck, but cannot control it, it is called a rebound.
Most people think goaltenders have the most difficult job because they alone must keep the opposition from scoring until teammates can regain control of the puck. The goaltender must have extremely fast reflexes and be aware of the game at all times. It is also crucial that the goaltender focus on the puck at all times in order to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal.
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