A Complete Guide to Equipment, Roles, Strategy, and the Most Common Phrases in Hockey
From basic equipment to complex strategic concepts and colorful slang, hockey has one of the richest vocabularies in all of sports. Understanding these terms not only helps you follow the flow of an NHL game more clearly, but also deepens your appreciation for the speed, skill, and personality of the sport.
Hockey comes with a language all its own—full of slang, strategy terms, equipment names, and on-ice expressions that can be confusing for newer fans. Whether you’re trying to understand broadcasts, follow conversations in the locker room, or deepen your knowledge as a fan, this ultimate glossary of hockey terms will help you decode the sport’s most important vocabulary.
This comprehensive guide covers equipment, positions and roles, strategy, penalties, and common hockey expressions you’ll hear throughout an NHL season.
EQUIPMENT TERMS
Stick
A hockey player’s main tool for handling, shooting, and passing the puck. Sticks consist of a shaft and blade, and come in composite or (less commonly today) wooden forms.
Blade
The flat section at the bottom of the stick used to handle and shoot the puck. Blades can have different curves depending on a player’s preference.
Tape
Applied to the blade, shaft, or knob of the stick to improve grip, protect stick surfaces, or control the puck better.
Skates
Specialized footwear with metal blades attached, used for movement on the ice. Modern NHL skates are lightweight with stiff boots for support.
Helmet
Protective gear worn on the head. Includes a chin strap and, for younger leagues, a full cage or visor.
Visor
A clear shield attached to the helmet to protect the eyes. Mandatory for all NHL players entering the league since 2013.
Mouthguard
A protective device that cushions the teeth and jaw. Worn by most players, although not mandatory in the NHL.
Gloves
Protect the hands while allowing free movement for stickhandling.
Shoulder Pads
Protect the shoulders, chest, and upper torso.
Elbow Pads
Protect the elbows and forearms from contact with boards, sticks, and pucks.
Shin Guards / Shin Pads
Protect the knees and shins from pucks and collisions.
Pants (or Breezers)
Padded shorts protecting the thighs, hips, and tailbone.
Jock / Jill
Protective cup for male players (jock) or female players (jill).
Goalie Gear
Includes specialized pads, a blocker, glove, chest protector, goalie mask, and stick designed for shot-blocking and rebound control.
POSITIONS & PLAYER ROLES
Center
The forward who takes draws (faceoffs) and plays a two-way role, helping both offensively and defensively.
Wingers (Left Wing / Right Wing)
Forwards positioned on either side of the center. Often responsible for scoring and forechecking.
Defenseman
Players responsible for defending their zone, blocking shots, moving the puck, and protecting the goaltender.
Goaltender (Goalie / Netminder)
The last line of defense who attempts to stop every shot on goal.
Specialized Player Roles
Enforcer
A physical player whose main job is to protect teammates, respond to overly aggressive opponents, and deliver big hits. Less common in the modern NHL.
Playmaker
A player known for high-end passing and vision, often setting up scoring opportunities.
Sniper
A strong goal-scorer with elite shooting ability.
Two-Way Forward
A forward known for playing responsibly in both offensive and defensive zones.
Power Forward
A strong, physical player who can grind down opponents and contribute offensively.
Stay-At-Home Defenseman
A defenseman focused on defense rather than rushing or generating offense.
Offensive Defenseman
A blueliner who frequently jumps into the play, takes shots from the point, and contributes to scoring.
Pest
A player who annoys opponents with chirping, poking, and relentless forechecking.
STRATEGY & GAMEPLAY TERMS
Faceoff
The method used to start play at the beginning of each period and after every stoppage. The puck is dropped between two players.
Deke
A fake or feint designed to fool an opposing player.
Forecheck
Applying pressure in the offensive zone to retrieve the puck or force a turnover.
Backcheck
Hustling toward the defensive zone to break up an opponent’s attack.
Breakaway
When a player or players has an open path to the goal without any defensemen impeding their way.
Cycle
Passing the puck along the boards in the offensive zone to create scoring opportunities and maintain possession.
Pinch
When a defenseman steps forward from the blue line to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
Breakout
A team’s attempt to move the puck out of its defensive zone and transition to offense.
Neutral Zone Trap
A defensive strategy that clogs the neutral zone to slow down opponents and prevent rush chances.
Odd-Man Rush
A scoring opportunity where the attacking team has more skaters than the defenders (e.g., 2-on-1 or 3-on-2).
Power Play
A team advantage created when an opponent takes a penalty. Usually a 5-on-4 or 5-on-3.
Penalty Kill
A team that is shorthanded attempts to prevent a goal against the opponents’ power play.
Screen
When a player stands in front of the goalie to obstruct their view.
Slot
The prime scoring area in front of the net, between the faceoff circles.
Point
The area near the blue line where defensemen usually take shots.
Dump and Chase
A strategy where players shoot the puck deep into the offensive zone and then aggressively pursue it.
Stretch Pass
A long pass used to transition quickly and catch defenders off guard.
Wraparound
A goal attempt where a player skates behind the net and tries to slide the puck into the near post.
PENALTIES & INFRACTIONS
Minor Penalty
A two-minute penalty for offenses like hooking, tripping, slashing, or interference.
Double Minor Penalty
A four minute penalty usually assigned if the penalty is especially egregious or blood is drawn from the opposing player
Major Penalty
A five-minute penalty—often for fighting or dangerous plays like boarding or charging.
Misconduct
A 10-minute penalty where the player must sit but the team does not play shorthanded.
Game Misconduct
Ejection from the game, usually for an egregious personal foul.
Roughing
Being too aggressive or extra physical to an opposing player, could be either from a check or otherwise
Hooking
Using the stick to impede a player’s progress.
Slashing
Swinging your stick at an opponent.
Interference
Impeding a player who does not have the puck.
Boarding
A dangerous hit that violently sends an opponent into the boards.
High-Sticking
Striking an opponent with the stick above shoulder height.
Delay of Game
Intentionally shooting the puck over the glass in the defensive zone or other stall tactics.
Icing
Shooting the puck from behind your own side of the center line all the way past the opponent’s goal line without it being touched.
Offside
Entering the offensive zone before the puck crosses the blue line.
COMMON HOCKEY PHRASES & SLANG
Barn Burner
A high-scoring, exciting game.
Beauty
A player who works hard, has skill, or is admired by teammates.
Biscuit
The hockey puck.
Bucket
A player’s helmet.
Chirping
Trash talk directed toward opponents.
Sauce / Saucer Pass
A pass that floats in the air, gliding over sticks.
Gordie Howe Hat Trick
A player records a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.
Hat Trick
A player scores three goals in one game.
Five-Hole
The space between a goalie’s legs.
Top Shelf
A shot that goes high into the net, usually just under the crossbar.
Sniped / Snipe
A precise, well-placed shot resulting in a goal.
Bar Down
A shot that hits the crossbar and goes into the net.
Greasy Goal
A goal scored from a messy rebound or scramble in front of the net.
Flow
Long, stylish hair that sticks out of a player’s helmet.
The Show
Slang for the NHL.
Twig
Another name for a hockey stick.
Clapper
A powerful slap shot.
Duster
A player who rarely gets ice time and “collects dust” on the bench.
Light the Lamp
To score a goal—referring to the red goal light behind the net.
Crease
The blue painted area in front of the goal that only the goalie can reside in
On-Ice Dictionary: Essentials Every Player Must Know
Hockey has its own language on the ice, and if you’re aiming to become a true fan or player, getting to grips with this terminology is key. Let’s start with the foundations – knowing the roles and positions is a game-changer. For instance, the ‘goalie’, or goaltender, is the guardian of the net, stopping pucks and making heart-stopping saves. Without understanding the specialized jobs of ‘defensemen’ and ‘forwards’, you might miss the strategic dance playing out.
Then there’s the rink itself, a battlefield with unique terminology. When folks talk about the ‘crease’, they mean the blue-painted area in front of the goal, crucial for understanding goalie interactions. And when someone mentions the ‘blue line’, it’s not just a line—it’s a key zone that impacts gameplay significantly, dividing offensive and defensive territories.
Understanding hockey doesn’t stop there. Imagine hearing a commentator yell “check!” and having no idea what’s happening. Well, in hockey terms, a ‘check’ is a defensive play where a player uses the body to impede an opponent—it’s as thrilling as it sounds. Learn to love the ‘slapshot’, a powerful shot with a big windup, and appreciate the tension of a ‘faceoff’, where two players battle for the puck drop.
These are just a few of the must-know terms that help create the adrenaline-packed excitement of every game. If you’re gearing up to jump from casual spectator to pro-level viewer, or even step onto the ice yourself, knowing these basics is your starting lineup.
Behind the Benches: Insider Lingo Unveiled
Getting the most out of hockey means tapping into the insider talk that happens behind the benches. Coaches and seasoned players throw around terms that might seem like a different language if you’re new to the scene.
Take ‘forechecking’, for example, a strategic movement where players press to regain control of the puck in the opponent’s zone. It’s a powerhouse tactic that can change the pace of the game in seconds. Counterbalance that with ‘backchecking’, where the focus flips as players rush back to defend against a looming threat from the opposing team.
Want to sound like an insider? Master some of the slang you’d hear right on the ice. Pulling off a ‘deke’—a deceptive move to trick the opponent—is a sure way to dazzle. Then there’s a ‘wrister’, a wrist shot known for its speed and surprise. And nothing beats the thrill of pulling off a ‘hat trick’, scoring three goals in one game—it’s the stuff of legends!
Embracing these terms and phrases gets you that much closer to the action. Whether you’re on the ice, in the stands, or chatting at a local rink, knowing the lingo opens up a world of strategy and camaraderie to explore.
Game Day Jargon: Phrases that Define the Moment
Ever watched a live hockey game and felt lost in translation? Knowing the right phrases can clarify those nail-biting moments and game-changing plays.
Take the term ‘power play’. This is when a team has more players on the ice due to an opponent’s penalty. It’s a golden opportunity to score, and understanding this adds layers to what you’re watching.
Then there’s the ‘penalty kill’, the opposite scenario. This is about sheer survival and grit, where a team tries to manage with one player down, focusing intensely on defense and discipline.
Game outcomes bring their own jargon. A ‘shutout’ means one goalie has kept the opponents from scoring at all during the entire game—a real badge of honor. If a match runs into ‘sudden death’, be ready for high-intensity action, as the first team to score wins, turning up the drama another notch.
Basket full of quirky phrases like ‘breakaway’, where a player has a solo chance against the goalie with no defenders in sight. Or a ‘playmaker’, a player who sets up key scoring opportunities for teammates.
It doesn’t stop there. The nickname ‘netminder’ for the goalie highlights the vital role they play in holding strong against every puck flying their way.
Getting familiar with these terms makes each game more than a clash of skates and sticks. You’re stepping into a story filled with strategy, skill, and spirit, turning every watch into an engaging experience.
Final Thoughts
Hockey’s got a reputation for being fast, furious, and, to be honest, a bit tricky to follow if you’re new to the game. Imagine a sport where folks skate at lightning speeds, all while handling a puck with precision. It’s a sport loved worldwide, from the frozen ponds of Canada to the mighty ice rinks of Russia, it’s got fans buzzing year-round.
Cracking the code of hockey lingo can transform the way you enjoy the game. Whether it’s your favorite team hitting the ice or just a casual watch party with friends, understanding terms like ‘power play’ or ‘hat trick’ can make the difference between just watching and truly experiencing the game.
So, why all the fuss about a glossary? Think of it as your guidebook through the swirling world of slapshots and saves. Having a grasp on these terms not only boosts your enjoyment but also helps you connect with fellow fans, join the banter, and maybe even impress a die-hard fan or two. Plus, if you’re a player or just starting out, knowing the language of the rink is crucial for really getting involved and playing your best.
This glossary aims to be your ticket to deeper appreciation and involvement in hockey. With every definition, you’re a step closer to not just watching the game, but living it, feeling every goal, every check, with a newfound understanding and excitement. Now go forth, young vikings, and spread the word of hockey.