The Teams

In a regulation ice hockey game, each team fields six players. There are three positions: forward, defense, and goalie. The three forwards—the center, left wing, and right wing—form a unit called a line. A team rotates lines in and out of the game to maximize effectiveness and keep players fresh. The forwards are joined by two defenders, who also rotate in and out of the game, though less frequently than the forwards. The goalie generally plays the entire game. Although positions are named, players are not bound by rules from skating to all areas of the rink. Forwards sometimes play defense, and defenders will score on occasion.

Centers generally skate between the wings and serve as the focal point of the offense. The left and right wings skate on their respective sides of the rink and remain there while playing offense or defense. Traditionally, centers are good passers who feed the puck to the wings, who are good shooters.

Like the wings, each defender skates on a specific side of the rink. Although some defenders have exceptional offensive skills, their primary responsibility is to prevent opponents from scoring. Defense is considered the most difficult position to master because defenders must skate backward as well as they skate forward, so that when the opposition attacks, they can face the rush and stop it. They must also be strong enough to prevent opponents from standing in front of the net, where they can easily score.

The goalie has one primary responsibility: to prevent the puck from entering the net. Good skating and puck-handling skills are advantages, but the ability to react quickly and block shots are the goalie’s most important skills. Each blocked shot, called a save, is recorded. A goalie’s save percentage, goals-against average (the number of goals allowed per game), and win-loss-tie record are the primary indications of his or her skill level.

A coach and one or more assistants instruct and motivate the players before and during games. The coaches develop strategies to exploit their team’s strengths and minimize its weaknesses. During games, a coach determines which players will play, and when. The coach’s main objective is to deploy the team in favorable matchups that pit the best defensive players against the opponent’s top scorers and vice versa. Because ice hockey is a game of speed and strength, the coach must also ensure that a slower or smaller line does not play against an opponent’s faster or larger line.

One player from each team serves as captain, appointed by the coach or elected by the players. Generally this person is a respected and trusted leader, and often a top player. The captain wears a C on the uniform jersey, and one or two alternate captains wear an A on their jerseys. The captain and the alternates are the only players permitted to speak with officials regarding rulings made during the game. The captain relays these explanations and interpretations to the coach, who must remain on the bench.