Commonly used words and phrases in a hockey game

Backcheck 

Forwards in the enemy zone skate back quickly to their own end to protect the goal.

 

Bodycheck 

Slowing or stopping an opponent with the puck with the hip or shoulder.

 

Breakaway 

A player who skates in on goal ahead of all opponents except the goaltender.

 

Butt Ending 

Hitting an opponent with the end of the stick farthest from the blade. Illegal and calls for a penalty.

 

Charging 

Taking more than 2 strides or jumping before checking an opponent. Illegal and calls for a penalty.

 

Crease 

The blue area directly in front of the goal.

 

Cross-Checking 

Hitting an opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice. Illegal and calls for a penalty.

 

Deke 

A "faking" motion with the stick or body, used to draw a defender or goaltender out of position.

 

Drop Pass 

The puck carrier will leave the puck behind to be picked up by a trailing teammate.

 

Faceoff 

How the puck is put into play to start the game or after any stop in game action.

 

Forechecking 

Hustling into the opponent’s defensive zone by the forwards who want to keep the puck there, and hopefully take it away.

 

Freezing the Puck 

Pinning the puck against the boards with either stick or skates.

 

Hat Trick 

Three goals scored by the same player in one game.

 

Headmanning 

When a player passes the puck forward to an attacking teammate.

 

High Sticking 

Illegally striking an opponent with the stick above shoulder level.

 

Holding 

Using the hands and grasping an opponent or his equipment. Illegal and calls for a penalty.

 

Interference 

Impeding the progress of an opponent who doesn’t have the puck or who is in contention for the puck. Also called for knocking an opponent’s fallen stick out of his reach. Illegal and calls for a penalty.

 

Neutral Zone 

Center ice between the blue lines.

 

Point 

Position just inside the opposition’s blue line usually manned by a defenseman when their team is in control of the puck in the opposition’s zone.

 

Poke Check 

Stabbing at the puck with the blade of the stick to take it from the puck carrier.

 

Power Play 

A team with more players n the ice than the opposition due to penalties.

 

Screen Shot 

A shot the goalie cannot see clearly because of a player between him and the shooter.

 

Slashing 

Sticking an opponent with the stick. Illegal and calls for a penalty even if no contact occurs.

 

Slot 

The "alley" between the two circles directly in front of the nets.

 

Spearing 

Using the stick like a spear. Illegal and calls for a 5-minute major penalty.

 

Stick Handling 

Carrying the puck along the ice with the stick.

 

Sweep Check 

Using the entire length of the stick while laying flat on the ice in order to take the puck from the center.