Ice Hockey Terminology
39 entries in the Ice Hockey Terminology compendium.
2–0 lead is the worst leadA cliché warning that a two‑goal lead breeds complacency.200-foot gameA player's strong presence across all three zones of the rink.Analytics in ice hockeyStatistical analysis of player and team performance in ice hockey.Assist (ice hockey)Awarded to up to two players who enabled a goal.Awarded goalA goal awarded without the puck entering the net.BackcheckA defensive transition play to limit opponent options in the neutral zone.Bench-clearing brawlMass player confrontation from benches in baseball and hockey.Big Six (ice hockey)The six dominant national teams in men's international ice hockey.Black Ace (ice hockey)A playoff call-up who practices but may never play.Butterfly styleA goaltending technique that drops to the knees to block low shots.Buzzer beaterA shot made as the game clock expires, often deciding the outcome.Captain (ice hockey)The only player authorized to discuss rule interpretations with referees.Centre (ice hockey)The centre is the versatile forward who controls the middle of the ice.Ceremonial first puckA guest of honor drops a puck to start the game.Checking (ice hockey)Defensive techniques to disrupt or separate an opponent from the puck.Clipping (ice hockey)A rarely called penalty for hitting an opponent at or below the knees.Cross-checkingAn infraction using the stick shaft to check an opponent.Cup of coffee (sports idiom)A brief major-league stint for a minor league player.DefencemanDefencemen prevent goals and often play the blue line.Deke (ice hockey)A feint technique to deceive and bypass an opponent.Diamond formationA defensive formation used during a penalty kill in ice hockey.Dump and chaseA tactic to advance the puck deep into enemy territory.Empty net goalA goal scored into a net with no goalkeeper present.Enforcer (ice hockey)An enforcer deters violence through fighting and physical intimidation.Extra attackerA skater replaces the goaltender to gain an offensive advantage.Face-offA method to begin or restart play by dropping a puck between opponents.False startFaceoff violations lead to player replacement or a minor penalty.Farm teamA developmental team that trains players for a parent club.Fenwick (statistic)Advanced statistic measuring unblocked shot attempt differential at even strength.Five-holeThe space between a goaltender's legs on the ice.ForecheckDefensive play in the offensive zone to regain puck control.Forward (ice hockey)A forward generates offense and supports defense in ice hockey.Game sevenThe decisive final game of a tied best-of-seven series.Goal (ice hockey)A goal is scored when the puck fully crosses the goal line.Goal differenceGoal difference ranks teams level on points by net goals.GoaltenderThe player who prevents the puck from entering their team's net.Grinder (ice hockey)A hard-working, checking forward valued for physical play.Hash mark (sports)Short field markings used for positioning and measurement in sports.Hat-trickThree goals in a game, celebrated by fans throwing hats onto the ice.
Browse Ice Hockey Terminology in the interactive codex →