NHL Glossary

• Angling- This occurs when a defender pushes an opposing player to the side in their defensive zone keeping them out of the middle of the ice. 
• Apple-  A slang term for when a player records an assist on a goal.
• Assist- Up to the last two players who touched the puck before a player scores a goal. 
• Attacking Zone- The part of the ice between the end boards and the blue line of the opposing team.
• Backhand- A pass or shot that is taken from the backside on the stick blade. 
• Back Checking- When a player comes back into their own zone to help defend against the other team playing the puck. 
• Black Ace- When a minor league, or junior amateur league player is brought up to the main roster of an NHL team for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
• Blocker (Waffle)- The pad that covers and protects the hand and wrist of a goal on the hand they use to hold their goalie stick. 
• Blue line- The lines on each side of the ice that determine the entry and exit points of a teams zone. These lines are used to measure the ‘neutral zone,’ whether a team enters a zone offsides, or if a team clears their zone of the puck.
• Blueliner- A slang term for a defenseman. 
• Boarding- When a defenseless player is checked into the boards with a violent impact. This action incurs a two minute penalty. 
• Boards- The barrier that contains the ice rink/playing surface. The boards are waist high with planes of glass extending further up to contain the puck. 
• Body Check- When you use your hips or body to hit an opponent in open ice or along the boards.
• Breakaway- A play in which a skater controls the puck with no defenders ahead of them. This is a play when it is just the skater against the goalie. 
• Butterfly- A goaltending style where the goaltender drops to their knees to cover the lower half of the net using their leg pads. 
• Butt-ending- Using the end knob of your stick to jab an opponent. This can result in a major penalty or game misconduct. 
• Cage- A metal grid that attaches to the front of a helmet to protect a player’s face. 
• Captain- A player designated with a “C” or “A” on their jersey. The “A” stands for ‘alternate’ captain. There are usually two or three ‘alternate’ captains and one captain who wears the “C.” This player is usually a veteran and is the team leader.
• Catcher- The glove mitt that is worn on the opposite hand of the stick holding hand. This glove serves the same purpose that a baseball glove serves. A goal can catch the puck with their catching mit and get a stoppage in play. 
• Center-  A forward whose primary zone to cover is the middle of the ice. The center is the leader of the line. A forward position whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice.
• Change on the fly- When play is active and players change on and off the ice. This is considered to be done when the game is not in a stoppage. 
• Charging- When a player takes three or more strides to hit an opposing player, or when a player leaves their feet to make a hit on an opposing player. This incurs a penalty. 
• Cheap shot- An illegal hit on a player when they are not engaged to defend themselves. This incurs a penalty when spotted or reviewed. A cheap shot is intended to injure another player. 
• Check to the head- A hit that primarily connects to an opposing player’s head. This is a major penalty and a game misconduct. 
• Checking from behind- When a player hits an opposing player from behind, usually into the boards. This incurs a penalty and can be leveled as a five minute game misconduct. 
• Clipping- When a player hits an opposing player below the knees. This incurs a penalty and can be leveled as a five minute game misconduct. 
• Coincidental penalties- When both teams receive the same amount of penalties on the same play. These penalties sometimes are taken by two opposing players engaging with each other, or when a team takes a penalty before the opposing team touches the puck after taking one.
• Cover 1- When a team has one defenseman stay back to protect against breakaways. This allows his defensive partner to play further up the ice and bring more of an offensive role to the play. 
• Crashing the net / Crashing the crease- When a player(s) skate towards the front of the net in a fast pace anticipating getting a rebound on a shot or pass. 
• Crease- The area painted blue in front of the net. This area is the goaltender’s priority. 
• Cycling- When the offensive team moves the puck around the boards in the offensive zone trying to pull the defenders out of position and open up a scoring chance. 
• Dasher- A part of the boards used to carom the puck off of to execute a pass or clear the zone. 
• Defenseman- There are two players on the ice considered to be defenseman. They protect the blue-line in the offensive zone, and protect the net in the defensive zone. Defensemen also contribute offensively on occasion. 
• Defensive Zone-  The defending teams zone extending from the end boards to the blue line. 
• Deke- Making an athletic move to beat, get around, or fool the opponent. 
• Dump and Chase- When a team shoots the puck towards the end boards on their opponent’s zone and they chase in to get it before the defenders. 
• Empty Net Goal- A goal scored when the opposing goalie is not on the ice to defend his net.
• Enforcer- A player whose role is to defend their teammates from the other team. His role is also to spark energy for their team when needed with physicality. 
• Even Strength- When both teams have the same amount of players on the ice. 
• even strength
• Extra Attacker- When the goaltender is removed from the ice, the offensive skater who comes on in replacement of him. This can happen when a team is losing at the end of the game, or when a team is on a delayed power play. 
• Faceoff- A faceoff is when two opposing playoffs come together and the referee drops the puck between them. Whoever’s team gains control of the puck first is considered to win the faceoff. Faceoffs happen after every stoppage in play and happen on designated spots on the ice. 
• Faceoff Spot- There are nine designated spots on the ice where faceoffs occur. There are two faceoff spots in each offensive zone, two faceoff spots on each side of the red line in the neutral zone, and one faceoff spot in center ice. 
• Five on Five- The standard number of players on the ice. This does not include the goaltender.
• Five on Four- A one man advantage when an opposing team takes a penalty. 
• Five on Three- A two man advantage when an opposing team takes more than one penalty within the time frame of the first penalty. 
• Five-Hole- The hole of space between the goaltenders legs. 
• Forecheck- Checking in the opposition in the offensive zone to gain control of the puck before the defenders can clear it out. 
• Freezing the Puck- When a goaltender or skater traps the puck in their pads or under their body so the puck cannot be played. This will draw a whistle for a faceoff. 
• Full Strength- When both teams have five skaters on the ice. 
• Game Misconduct- A penalty in which a player is ejected from the game. A game misconduct usually counts for a 10 minute penalty on the scoring sheet. 
• Goal- A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line.
• Goal Judge- An official who sits in a small designated area behind each net to signal if a goal has been scored. A goal judge will signal a goal being scored by turning a red light above the net on. 
• Goal Line- The red line that runs from post to post in the net to determine whether a goal has been scored. 
• Goaltender- The position that is responsible to protect the net and stop the opposing team from scoring. 
• Golden Goal- A goal scored in sudden death time giving the win to the team that scores first. 
• Goon- A player who is considered to be an enforcer that plays dirty. 
• Gordie Howe Hat Trick- When a player scores a goal, records an assist, and gets into a fight all in the same game. 
• Grinder- A player who is valued for their hard work and checking skills over their scoring ability. This player helps generate more scoring chances with their effort in gaining puck control. 
• Hash Marks- The lines from the faceoff circles in each offensive zone. These are used to line up the faceoff participants. 
• Half Wall- The midway area between the point and the corner along the board. 
• Hand Pass- The act of passing the puck using your hand. Hand passes are only legal in a team’s defensive zone. A player cannot close their hand on the puck or it will incur a penalty. 
• Hat-Trick- When a player scores three goals in one game. When this happens fans will throw their hats on the ice to commemorate.
• Head-Butting- Using your head to deliberately hit an opponent or using your head to direct the puck into the net. 
• Healthy Scratch- A player who does not make the lineup for that game but is not injured. 
• High Sticking- A high sticking penalty is when a player contacts another players head illegally. This results in a two minute penalty unless the player draws blood or causes injury, this results in a four minute double minor penalty. A high sticking infraction is when a player plays the puck with their stick over the shoulders or the crossbar on a goal. The play is then blown dead if that team is the first to touch the puck after the high sticking contact. If there is a goal that results in a high sticking contact, the goal is reviewed and will be disallowed. 
• Hip Check- When a player uses their own hip to check or knock an opposing player off the puck. 
• Holding- Using your arms to restrain an opponent and stop their motion.
• Holding the Stick- When a player grabs and holds onto an opponent’s stick affecting their ability to use it. 
• Home Ice Advantage– The home team is given the ability to make the last line change during whistles. This allows for better coaching strategy when determining matchups on the ice. 
• Hooking- Using your stick to restrain an opponent’s motion, whether it’s their body or their hands and stick.
• Howitzer- A slang term for a very fast slap shot. 
• howitzer
• Icing- When a player sends the puck from behind his side of the red line down and over the opposing end line untouched. Icing can be waived off if it is deemed by the referees that a defensive player could have played the puck before it goes over the end line or a player of the team who sent the puck over the line gets to the end line first. 
• Interference- Affecting a player who is not in control of the puck prevents them from engaging in the play. 
• Kicking- Using your leg and skate to distinctly kick the puck or an opposing player. If a goal results from a kicked puck, the goal will be disallowed. If a player kicks an opponent, they will receive a major penalty. 
• Kneeing- Using your knee as the main point of contact on an opposing player. This results in a penalty. 
• Left Wing- A player whose position is to the left of the center on the offensive line. 
• Line- The term used to describe the three forwards or two defenseman who play together.
• Line Brawl- When most of, if not all of the players on the ice at the same time engage in fights.
• Line Change- The term used to describe when the players on the ice change with players on the bench to get a new active line on the ice. 
• Linesman- A secondary official on the ice whose responsibilities include faceoffs, calling offsides and icings, and on occasion a penalty. There are two linesmen on the ice per game. 
• Long Change- Each period, teams switch sides of the ice. During the second period, or even number overtime periods in the playoffs, teams will have to skate further to reach their bench to change. When players are tired and have trouble reaching the bench because of it being in the opposite zone these periods, this is considered a long change.
• Man Advantage- The term used to describe a team being on a power-play. 
• 5 Minute Major Penalties: Result in players serving the full 5 minutes penalty. No time comes off the time for goals scored by the opposing team. Players can be ejected for 5 minute penalties. 
• Michigan- A term coined for a lacrosse style play that results in a goal. 
• Minor Penalty- A two minute penalty. 
• Misconduct- A penalty that removes a player from the ice for 10 minutes of game time. This does not affect on ice man power. These can be unsportsmanlike like penalties that do not punish a team. 
• Natural Hat-Trick- When a player scores three goals in a row.
• Net Front Presence- When players position themselves in front of the net and goaltender to try and deflect shots on net or collect a rebound. 
• Netminder- slang term for goaltender
• Neutral Zone Trap- A defensive strategy that focuses on locking down the neutral zone area of the ice. This strategy is an attempt to stop the opposing team from entering their zone before stealing the puck.
• Odd-Man Rush- When the attacking players outnumber the defending players in transition.
• Offensive Zone- The zone in which the team spends time trying to score a goal.
• Official- The main referee on the ice.
• Offsides: If a player fully enters the offensive zone before the puck completely crosses the blue line then the play is deemed offsides. A delayed offsides is when a player is in the opposing zone before the puck enters but the puck has not been played. The referee can allow a team to “touch up” (leave the zone fully and then come back in) before blowing the play dead. 
• One-Timer- When one player passes to another and the player receiving the pass shoots the puck right away. The player does not control the pass and shoots it all in one sequence. 
• Overtime- If the score is tied at the end of the three twenty minute periods during the REGULAR SEASON, there will be a sudden death 5 minute overtime. Overtime in the regular season is 3 on 3. If there are no goals scored in this five minute period, the game goes into a best of 3 shootout. If the score is tied at the end of the three twenty minute periods during the PLAYOFFS, there will be a sudden death 20 minute overtime period. Overtime periods will continue until someone scores. Overtime in the playoffs is 5 on 5.
• Own Goal- If a team scores a goal in their own net, the last player on the opposing team is awarded the goal. If no one touches the puck, the closest player to the goal is awarded it. 
• Paddle- The wide portion of the goalies stick. 
• Passive Box- When shorthanded, the team on the penalty kill sets up a boxed formation with the four players defending in front of the net. 
• Penalty Box / Box- A designated area across the ice from the benches, where players who receive penalties must wait.
• Penalty Kill (PK)- When a team is down a man due to a penalty. This is also called being short handed. Teams on the penalty kill are allowed to ice the puck without being called for an infraction. 
• Penalty Shot- A player is assessed a penalty shot when an opposing player takes a penalty while they are on a breakaway that impedes their ability to shoot effectively. If a referee awards a penalty shot, the player who took the penalty does not need to serve 2 minutes in the box. 
• Playoff Beard- Players superstitiously do not shave their beards while their team is playing in the playoffs. 
• Plus-Minus- A statistic that counts how many goals a player is on the ice for. +/- is calculated by subtracting the numbers scored against his line from the number of goals scored when that player is on the ice. Goals scored on a man advantage do not count towards this stat. 
• Point- The area at the top of the offensive zone where the defenseman are positioned to help keep the puck in the zone as well as to shoot pucks on net. 
• Points- A statistic of a point is awarded to a player who either scores a goal or records an assist on someone elses goal. 
• Poke Check- A type of play where a player uses their stick to dislodge and poke the puck away from the puck carrier. 
• Pond Hockey- Outdoor hockey usually when played on a frozen surface of water. Pond hockey is a less calculated style of game play and played more freely.
• Post-Game Handshake- At the end of every playoff round, each team will meet at center ice and share handshakes or hugs. 
• Power Forward- An offensive player who plays much more physically and is an embodying force on the ice as well as being skilled. 
• Power Move- When a player exhibits a burst of speed and deking to cut to the net. 
• Power Play- When a team has more players on the ice than their opponent due to a penalty or penalties. If a team scores a goal while on the power play then the two minute penalty expires. 
• Pull the Goalie- Removing the goaltender from the net for an extra attacker. This is done at the end of the game if a team is losing, on a delayed penalty, or if there are less than two seconds left in the first or second period and a team is taking an offensive zone faceoff.
• Quarterback- Someone who controls the powerplay for their team by controlling the puck to set up scoring opportunities. 
• Quick Whistle- A stoppage that occurs when a referee loses sight of the puck around the net even if the puck is not fully covered and is still playable. 
• Rebound- When a player takes a shot at the goalie and the goalie does not maintain control of the puck. 
• Red Line: The line in the center of the ice used to determine icing.
• Referee- The official in charge of the game. There are usually two referees per game.
• Referee’s Crease- The designated area on the ice between the two penalty boxes that are for referee’s to review plays or have discussions without interference from players. 
• Right Wing- A player whose position is to the right of the center on the offensive line.
• Playing Surface- The area the game is played on. 
• The playing surface
• Roughing- Excessive force used against an opponent but not severe enough to be considered fighting. 
• Rolling Puck- A puck that ends up on its side and rolls across the ice.
• Saucer Pass- A pass that is made from one player to another that is lifted off the ice to avoid a defender’s stick and lands on the other player’s stick. 
• Save- The term used when a goaltender stops the puck from entering the net. A shot that hits the post does not count as a save for the goalie or a shot for the player. 
• Screened Shot- A shot that the goaltender cannot see due to players being in his line of sight. 
• Shaft- The long part of the stick that the player holds. 
• Shift- The period of time a player gets on the ice before coming back off. 
• Shootout- The portion of the game that takes place during the regular season after overtime. The shootout is a best of three that involves players from each team taking breakaways to try and score on the goaltender. 
• Shorthanded- Having less players on ice than your opponent due to penalties. 
• Shoreside- The side of the goal closest to the shooting player. 
• Shot on goal- A shot that is made towards the net or on the net that the goaltender makes contact with and saves. 
• Shutdown Pair- When two players on the same team work together to shut down the opposing team’s offensive player(s).
• Skater- A player who is not a goaltender. 
• skater
• Slapshot- A hard shot made by a player in one motion. A slap shot is the hardest type of shot to make and usually has a wind up before the shot. 
• Slashing- Using your stick to chop at a player’s body. 
• Slew Foot- When you sweep out a player’s skate or leg from behind causing them to trip and fall backwards. This is a dangerous play and is assessed a 5 minute penalty.
• Slot- The area of the ice in front of the goaltender between the two faceoff circles. 
• Slow Whistle- When an official allows play to continue after the puck has been covered. Similar to a fast whistle, this is usually when a referee cannot see the puck.
• Snap Shot- When a player combines a wrist shot and slap shot into one shot where the player taps the puck to himself and rifles it off.
• Sniper- A player who is very accurate with their shot in being able to score in limited and precise areas of the net. 
• Spearing: Using your stick to spear or stab an opponent. 
• Special Teams- The term designated for when there is a power play or shorthanded time. 
• Spin-O-Rama- A term used to describe a player skating in tight and precise circles on the ice
• Stack the Pads- When a goaltender lays on their side and stacks their goalie pads on top of each other horizontally. 
• Standup Goalie- A goaltender who stays upright on their skates when a player shoots as opposed to dropping into the butterfly position.
• Stay-at-Home Defenseman- A defenseman who plays defensive minded and does not engage in the offensive aspect of the play. They usually are the ones in the defensive zone last and stay further back. 
• Stick Checking- When a player uses their stick to impede another player’s stick handling. 
• Stick Handling- The act when a player is carrying the puck on their stick and skates around their opponents. 
• Suicide Pass- When a player makes a long pass from one end of the ice to a teammate skating in stride. This leaves the player receiving the puck in a vulnerable state. 
• Tag Up- When a team is on a delayed offsides, they must tag up by leaving the offensive zone until everyone is completely out of it.
• Tap-In- When a player is directly in front of the net and is able to tap the puck past the goalie into the net. 
• Toe Drag- Using the tip of the stick blade to maneuver the puck. 
• Too Many Men on the Ice: When a team has more than the allowed number of players on the ice. 
• Top Shelf- The upper portion of the net. 
• Trapezoid- The area behind the net that a goaltender is allowed to play the puck. If a goaltender plays the puck outside of this area, they receive a delay of game penalty. 
• Tripping: Causing your opponent to trip and fall. 
• Turnbuckle- The area where the edge of the glass meets the start of the team’s bench. This area is very dangerous to be checked into by an opponent.
• Two-Way Forward- A forward who also plays defensively when their team does not have the puck.
• Umbrella- An offensive strategy during a power play that positions one player at the point, one player on each side of the boards, and two players in front of the net. 
• Video Goal Judge- An official located in another area who will review a goal with multiple camera angles that are not all readily available to the broadcast showing the game. 
• Waffle- A slang term to describe a goalies blocker. 
• War Room- An office in Toronto where games are watched and reviewed.
• Wheelhouse- The ideal place for a player to receive the puck and take a shot. 
• Wholesale Change- When a team changes all five players on the ice at once. 
• Wraparound- When a player skates around the back of the net and attempts to score as fast and close to the goal as possible. 

Wrist Shot- A shot that focuses on the movement of the players wrists and forearms when taking the shot. These shots are expected to be more accurate and less powerful than a slap Zamboni- The large vehicle used to help resurface the ice during intermissions and before and after games.