Altercation

Any physical interaction between two or more opposing players that results in a penalty (or penalties) being assessed.

Assist

An assist is awarded to the player or players (maximum of two) who touched the puck prior to the goal, provided no defender plays or possesses the puck in between.

Attacking Zone

When you are on the attack, your attacking zone is between your opponent's blue line and goal line.

Back Check

Forwards in their offensive zone skate back quickly to their own defensive zone to protect their goal and keep the opponent from shooting.

Blocker

For the goalie, the glove that goes on the hand that holds the stick.

Blue Line

Two lines running across the width of the rink, one on either side of the red line. The area between the blue lines is called the neutral zone.

Boarding

Violently checking an opponent into the boards from behind. Boarding is illegal and merits a penalty.

Boards

The wall around a hockey rink (which was at one time really made of wood but which is now usually of fiberglass) measuring about 42 inches high and topped off by synthetic glass to protect the spectators while giving them a good view of the action.

Body Check

A body check is where you use your body against an opponent who has possession of the puck. Legal body checking must be done only with the hips or shoulders and must be above the opponent's knees and below the neck. Unnecessarily rough body checking is penalized.

Box

A defensive alignment (similar to the diamond) often used by a team defending against a power play.

Breakaway

An offensive rush when there is no opponent between the puck carrier and the opposition's goalie.

Breakout

When the attacking team comes out of its defensive zone with the puck and starts up ice.

Butt Ending

Using the shaft of the stick to jab or attempt to jab an opposing player. Known in Quebec as "donner six pouces" (to give six inches).

Catcher

For the goalie, this is a glove (which looks like a fancy first-baseman's mitt) that goes on the non-stick hand.

Center

In a traditional alignment with three forwards, the center plays between the left and right wings.

Changing on the Fly

When players on the ice switch with fresh players on the bench while the game is going on.

Clearing the Puck

When the puck is passed, knocked, or shot away from the front of the goal net or other area.

Crease

The semi-circular area in front of each goal is called the crease. If any offensive player is in the goal crease when a goal is scored, the goal is not allowed. The crease is painted blue. The goal crease is designed to protect the goalies from interference by attacking players. The area marked on the ice in front of the penalty timekeeper's seat is for the use of the referee.

Defensive Zone

When the other team is on the attack, the defensive zone is the area between your goal line and your blue line.

Deke

A deke is a fake by a player in possession of the puck in order to get around an opponent or to make a goalie move out of position. To deke, you move the puck or a part of your body to one side and then in the opposite direction. ("Deke" is taken from "decoy.")

Delay of Game

This is called when a player purposely delays the game. Delay of game is commonly called when a goalie shoots the puck into the stands without the puck deflecting off a skater or the glass. Delay of game also occurs when a player intentionally knocks a goalpost out of its stand (usually in an attempt to prevent a goal from being scored).

Delayed Off-side

In this situation, an attacking player has preceded the puck into the offensive zone (normally a case for off-side), but the defending team has gained possession of the puck and can bring it out of their defensive zone without any delay or contact with an opposing player.

Diamond

A defensive alignment (similar to the box) often used by a team defending against a power play.

Dig

An attempt to gain possession of the puck in the corners of the rink.

Directing the Puck

Changing the course of the puck in a desired direction by using the body, skate, or stick.

Dive

When a player exaggerates being hooked or tripped in an attempt to draw a penalty.

Drop Pass

A sometimes dangerous play in which a puck carrier leaves the puck behind him to be picked up by a trailing teammate. When employed successfully, the puck carrier acts as a screen to give the teammate a clear path with the puck.

Empty Net Goal

A goal scored against an opponent that has pulled the goalie.

Face-Off

The dropping of the puck between one player from each team to start or resume play.

Five-Hole

The area in the opening between a goalie's leg pads.

Flat Pass

A pass where the puck remains on the surface of the ice. A.K.A. Saucer Pass

Flex

Hockey sticks come in different degrees of flex - medium, stiff, and extra stiff. A stronger player, who hits more powerful shots, usually wants a stiffer stick.

Flip Pass

A pass where the puck is lifted so that it goes over an opponent or his stick.

Forecheck

Forwards forecheck by hurrying into the opponent's defensive zone to either keep the puck there or take it away.

Forward

The center and the wings are traditionally considered to be the forwards.

Freezing the Puck

A player freezes the puck by holding it against the boards with the stick or skates. A goalie freezes the puck (when the opposition is threatening to score) by either holding the puck in the glove or trapping it on the ice. Note: A delay-of-game penalty can be called if the goalie freezes the puck when the opposition is not threatening.

Game Played (GP)

A player receives credit for playing in a game if: i) he steps on the ice during time played or; ii) serves any penalty.

Game Winning Goal (GWG)

After the final score has been determined, the goal which leaves the winning Club one goal ahead of its opponent is the game-winning goal (example: if Team A beats Team B 8-3, the player scoring the fourth goal for Team A receives credit for the game-winning goal).

Game Tying Goal (GTG)

The final goal scored in a tie game.

Goal

A goal is achieved when the entire puck crosses the goal line and enters the net. You can't deliberately kick it in or bat it in with a glove, although a goal is counted when a puck deflects off a player (but not off an official). A goal is worth one point.

Goal Line

The red line which runs between the goal posts and extends in both directions to the side boards.

Goaltender

The goaltender's main job is to keep the puck from entering the goal net. The goaltender is also know as the goalie, the goalkeeper, or the netminder.

Goals Against Average (GAA)

Multiply goals allowed (GA) by 60 and divide by minutes played (MINS).

Goaltender Win/Loss/Tie

A goaltender receives a win, tie or loss if he is on the ice when either the game-winning or game-tying goal is scored.

GP

An abbreviation for "games played."

Hat trick

A player who scores three goals in one game achieves a "hat trick."

Head Butting

Using the head while delivering a body check (head first) in the chest, head, neck, or back area; or using the head to strike an opponent.

Heel of the stick

The point where the shaft of the stick and the bottom of the blade meet.

Icing

Icing is called when a player behind the red line in his end of the rink shoots a puck past the goal line in his offensive zone when both teams are playing at even strength. Play is stopped when an opponent other than the goalie touches the puck. Icing is considered an infraction because it can be used by teams to take away legitimate scoring chances from skaters on the offensive.

Linesman

Two linesmen are used to call offside, offside passes, icing, and handle all face-offs not occurring at center ice. Although they don't call penalties, they can recommend to the referee that a penalty be called.

Neutral zone

The central ice area between the two blue lines (neither the defending nor the attacking zone).

Offsides

A player may not skate into his offensive zone ahead of the puck. If that happens, a whistle is blown, and a face-off is held just outside the zone where the breach-offside- occurred. What matters in an offside is the position of the skates: Both skates must be all the way over the blue line for a player to be potentially off-side. The location of the stick does not matter. Offside is also called if a player makes what is called a two-line pass.

Offside is called to keep players from hanging around the red line at center ice, or all the way down in their offensive zone, and waiting for a pass that will give them a breakaway (skating toward the goal with no defenders around except for the goalie) and an easy chance at a goal.

Offside Pass

An offside pass (also known as a "two-line" pass) occurs when a member of the attacking team passes the puck from behind his own defending blue line to a teammate across the center red line. If the puck precedes the player across the red line, the pass is legal. Also, an attacking player may pass the puck over the center red line and the attacking blue line to a teammate if the puck precedes that teammate across the blue line. The face-off after an offside pass takes place at the spot where the pass originated.

One-timer

Shooting the puck immediately upon receiving it without stopping it first. A one-timer is an effective way to beat the goalie before he can slide from one side of the crease to another.

Penalties in Minutes (PIM):

An accumulation of penalties shown in minutes.

Penalty

A penalty is the result of an infraction of the rules by a player or team official. A penalty usually results in the removal of the offending player (or team official) for a specified period of time. In some cases, the penalty may be the awarding of a penalty shot on goal or the actual awarding of a goal.

Penalty Box

The area opposite the team benches where penalized players serve time.

Penalty Killing

When a team is shorthanded and attempts to prevent the opposition from scoring, this activity is known as "penalty killing."

Penalty-Killing Unit

The group of players brought in by a shorthanded team in order to defend against a power play.

Penalty Killing Percentage (PK%)

Subtract total number of power-play goals allowed from total number of shorthanded situations to get total number of power-plays killed. Divide the total number of power-plays killed by the total number of shorthanded situations.

Penalty Shot

A penalty shot is awarded to an offensive player who - on a breakaway - is illegally checked or impeded. The puck is placed at the center face-off spot, and the player has a free try at the opposing goal with no other defenders on the ice besides the goalie.

Pipe

The pipe is the goalpost, and if you hit a puck "between the pipes" you score a goal!

Plus-Minus (+/-)

A player receives a "plus" if he is on the ice when his Club scores an even-strength or shorthand goal. He receives a "minus" if he is on the ice for an even-strength or shorthand goal scored by the opposing Club. The difference in these numbers is considered the player's plus-minus statistic.

Point

The point is the area just inside the opposition's blue line close to the boards on either side of the rink. A defenseman usually occupies this area when his team is in control of the puck in the opposition's defensive zone.

Poke Check

To dislodge the puck from the puck carrier by stabbing at it with the blade of the stick.

Possession of the Puck

 The last player or goalie to make contact with the puck is the one who has possession. This definition includes a puck that is deflected off a player or any part of his equipment.

Power Play Goal (PPG)

A goal scored by a Club while it has a manpower advantage due to an opponent's penalty. Following are some examples of what is and is not considered a power-play goal:

• If a Club has an advantage on a minor penalty starting at 2:02 of the period and it scores at 4:02, the goal is not a power-play goal.

• If a Club scores on a delayed penalty, the goal is not a power-play goal.

• If a Club has an advantage due to a five-minute major or match penalty, that Club is always credited with having one more advantage than the number of power-play goals it scores during that advantage, because the penalty does not expire a new advantage begins after such a power-play goal. For example, if Team A scores three goals during a major penalty, it is credited with four advantages.

• If a Club is on a power-play for any length of time it considered to have had an advantage.

• If a minor penalty is incurred by a Club on a power-play due to a major penalty, a new advantage is given to that Club when its minor penalty expires, provided the opponent's major penalty is still in effect.

Power Play Percentage (PP%)

Total number of power-play goals divided by total number of power-play opportunities.

Pulling the Goalie

Replacing the goalie with an extra skater. This occurs when a team trails, usually by one goal in the last minute of the game. It is a high-risk attempt to tie the game.

Red Line

The line that divides the rink into two equal parts. This area is center ice.

Referee

The referee supervises the game, calls the penalties, determines if goals are scored, and handles face-offs at center ice at the start of each period and after goals. The referee has the final decision over all other officials.

Save

A shot blocked by the goaltender, which would have been a goal if not stopped.

Save Percentage (Sv%)

Subtract goals allowed (GA) from shots against (SA) to determine saves. Then divide saves by shots against.

Shadow

When a player covers an opponent one-on-one everywhere on the ice in order to limit the effectiveness of this opponent.

Shoot-Out

Some minor and international leagues refine the overtime situation by having their teams play a five-minute sudden death period, and if no one scores, the game is decided by a shoot-out. Each team picks five players, and each one of them takes a penalty shot on the other team's goalie, skating in by themselves with the puck from center ice and trying to score. Whichever team scores more wins.

Shooting Percentage

Divide the number of goals scored by the number of shots taken.

Shorthanded

A shorthanded team is below the numerical strength of its opponents on the ice. When a goal is scored against a shorthanded team, the penalty that caused the team scored against to be shorthanded is terminated, and both teams are again at equal strength.

Shorthanded Goal (SHG)

A goal scored by a Club while it is at a manpower disadvantage due to a penalty. The same cases apply in a similar but opposite way for shorthand as for power-play goals.

Shot on Goal (SOG)

If a player shoots the puck with the intention of scoring and if that shot would have gone in the net had the goaltender not stopped it, the shot is recorded as a "shot on goal".

Shutout (SO)

If two goaltenders combine for a shutout, neither receives credit for the shutout. Instead it is recorded as a Club shutout.

Slap Shot

Hitting the puck with the blade of the stick after taking a full backswing.

Slot

The area immediately in front of the net between the two face-off circles, extending from the bottom of the circles up to the top of them. It is from this zone that most goals are scored and where most furious activity takes place.

Smothering the Puck

When a goalie or other players fall on the puck. Smothering is legal when done by the goalie or accidentally by another player.

Sniper

A player who is a pure goal scorer and who doesn't hit other players or the boards all that much.

Splitting the Defense

When a player in possession of the puck goes between two opposing defenders while attacking.

Stick-Handling

A term for carrying the puck along the ice with the stick.

Sweater

The term used to designate a hockey jersey.

Sweep Check

Using the entire length of the stick with a sweeping motion along the surface off the ice in order to dislodge the puck from an opponent. A team that is shorthanded on a power play often employs a sweep check.

Team Official

A person responsible for the operation of a team, such as a coach, manager, or trainer.

Trap

Traps are defensive formations designed to minimize the opposition's scoring opportunities and keep its offense from functioning. The idea is to trap the puck in the neutral zone, halting the opponents and regaining control of the puck.

Turnover

Just as in basketball or in football, you can make a turnover in hockey by losing control of the puck to the opposing team.

Wings

The left wing and the right wing (also known as forwards) move up and down the sides of the rink. Offensively, they skate on each side of the center, exchanging passes with him, while trying themselves for a shot on goal and/or a rebound of a shot from the point. Defensively, they watch the opponent's wings.

Wrist Shot

Hitting the puck with the blade of the stick using a quick snap of the wrist rather than a full back swing.  

Zamboni

The vehicle used to prepare the rink's ice surface before the game and after each period. The Zamboni scrapes a thin layer off the ice, heats the ice, and puts down a fresh layer of heated water that freezes to form a new layer of ice.

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Hockey has a variety of different offenses that can be committed by players or even coaches. These can play a major role in the how games are played as penalties result in a team having to play shorthanded giving the other team a significant advantage in manpower on the ice and usually an excellent opportunity to score goals. Below are the general types of penalties as well as an explanation of some of the more common calls you'll see in games as well as the signals the referee or linesman will use to signal them in a game. Types of Penalties: Minor Penalty Any player, other than a goaltender, shall be ruled off the ice for two minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted. If the shorthanded team is scored upon before the two minutes elapse, the player in the penalty box is automatically released. Major Penalty Any player, except the goaltender, shall be ruled off the ice for four or five minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted. The player who is serving the major penalty must stay in the penalty box for the full five, regardless if a goal is scored upon their "shorthanded" team. Goaltender's Penalties A goaltender shall not be sent to the penalty box for an infraction, but instead the minor penalty shall be served by another member of his team, who was on the ice when the infraction was committed. Penalty shot No time served Awarded for a player being fouled from behind and denied a breakaway scoring opportunity. Also called for deliberately displacing the goal post during a breakaway, or can be called when a defending player other than the goalie intentionally falls on the puck, ususually around the defensive net area. Coincidental minor and/or major penalties Result when players of two opposing teams are simultaneously assessed penalties of equal duration. In this case, the players may be substituted for, but all penalized players must serve their full time in the penalty box and wait for a stoppage of play to come out of the box. Generally, the timekeeper will not post these penalties on the scoreboard and the players will be required to stay in the box for the amount of time assessed and until "the next whistle". Misconduct Penalty Any player, other than the goaltender, shall be ruled off the ice for a period of ten minutes. A substitute player is permitted to immediately replace a player serving a misconduct penalty. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty box until the next stoppage of play. These penalties are often called in tandem with a minor penalty and you may hear it referred to as a "Two and ten". What this means is that the player has committed a foul such as Checking from Behind and his/her team must play shorthanded for 2 minutes but the offending player must then also stay off the ice for an additional 10 minutes. Generally, a team will put two players in the penalty box with one coming out after two minutes. Match Penalty A match penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game and the offender shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. A substitute player is permitted to replace the penalized player after five minutes of playing time has elapsed. Game Misconduct A penalty that involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game. A substitute is immediately permitted to take his place on the ice.
	Boarding Checking (shoving) an opponent so that he is thrown violently against the boards. Official Signal: Pounding the closed fist of the non-whistle hand into the open palm of the other hand.
	Charging Taking more than three skating strides prior to checking an opponent. Official Signal: Rotating clenched fists around one another in front of chest.
	Checking from Behind Checking or hitting an opponent whose back is facing you, often into the boards. Official Signal: Non-whistle arm placed behind the back, elbow bent, forearm parallel to the ice surface.
	Cross-Checking Hitting an opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice. Official Signal: A forward motion with both fists clenched extending from the chest.
	Delayed Penalty When a referee signals that he is about to penalize a player, but will not stop play until the team to be penalized touches the puck. Official Signal: The non-whistle hand is extended straight above the head.
	Elbowing Using an elbow in any way to foul an opponent. Official Signal: Tapping the elbow of the whistle hand with the opposite hand.
	Hand Pass Called when a player uses his hand to direct the puck to another player from the same team in the offensive or neutral zone. Hand passes are allowed in the defensive zone. Official Signal: The non-whistle hand (open hand) and arm are placed straight down alongside the body and swung forward and up once in an underhand motion.
	High Sticking Striking your opponent while carrying the stick above shoulder level. Official Signal: Holding both fists, clenched, one immediately above the other, at the side of the head.
	Holding Holding an opponent from moving with hands or stick or any other way. Official Signal: Clasping the wrist of the whistle hand well in front of the chest.
	Hooking "Hooking" a stick aroung an opponent to try to block his progress. Official Signal: A tugging motion with both arms, as if pulling something toward the stomach.
	Icing Intentionally shooting the puck from behind the center red line over your opponent's goal line. Not technically a penalty, icing results in a faceoff in the offending team's zone. Official Signal: The instant that the conditions required to establish "icing the puck'' have occurred, the referee will blow his whistle to stop play, and raise his non-whistle hand over his head. The back official will move to the resulting face-off spot and give the icing signal.
	Interference Illegal body contact with an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, or knocking an opponent's fallen stick out of his reach. Official Signal: Crossed arms stationary in front of chest with fists closed.
	Penalty Shot When an attacking player has been clearly pulled down preventing a breakaway shot on the goalie. Official Signal: Crossed arms stationary in front of chest with fists closed.
	Slashing Hitting an opposing player with the stick or swinging the stick at an opposing player. Official Signal: One chop with the non-whistle hand across the straightened forearm of the other hand.
	Spearing Stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade while the stick is being carried in one or both hands. Official Signal: A single jabbing motion with both hands together, thrust forward from in front of the chest, then dropping hands to the side.
	Tripping Using a stick, knee, foot, arm, hand, or elbow to cause an opponet to trip or fall. Official Signal: Strike the side of the knee (non-whistle side) and follow through once, keeping the head up and both skates on the ice.
	Washout When used by a referee it means the goal does not count; when used by a linesman, it means there is no icing or off-sides. Official Signal: Both arms swung laterally across the body at shoulder level with palms down.

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			Hockey Slang

Below are some slang terms referencing hockey that you might hear around the rink.

Barn:

Hockey arena

Biscuit:

Hockey puck

Biscuit in the Basket:

The puck hitting the back of the net on a goal

Cherry Picking:

When a player, generally a forward, hangs out behind the play waiting for a outlet pass so that he can have a breakaway.

Chicklets:

Teeth

Chippy:

Players are getting irritated with one another.

Coast to Coast:

When a player carries the puck from his own end into the offensive end

Deke:

To fake an opponent out of position with a movement of the head or body

Dump and Chase:

A style of hockey where a team shoots the puck into one of the corners of the offensive zone and then pursues it. This is opposed to carrying the puck into the zone.

Five Hole:

Placing a shot between the goalie's legs.

Freezing the Puck:

To hold the puck against the boards with either the stick or skate to get a stoppage of play.

Glove Hand:

The hand that the goalie catches the puck with, in contrast to his stick hand, which is the hand that the goalie holds his stick in.

Goon:

A player who has little other purpose on the ice then to try and get players to fight.

Grinder:

A type of player known for his checking ability and work ethic; often associated with a player who is strong defensively, but who doesn't score many points.

Hash Marks:

The straight lines emerging from the two big circles in front of both nets. These lines direct players where to line up for face-offs.

Lumber:

Hockey stick.

Mucker:

Similar to a grinder, but one who adds a more physical temperament to his game. This player tends to stir up trouble.

One Timer:

The act of shooting the puck directly off a pass. The offensive player takes his backswing while the puck is on its way to him and tries to time his swing with the arrival of the puck.

Rubber or Frozen Rubber:

Hockey puck

Screened Shot:

Goaltender's view is blocked by players between him and the shooter.

Sin Bin:

Penalty box

Top Shelf:

Placing a shot in the top quarter of the net

Warm Up the Bus:

The outcome of the game has pretty much been decided and the visitor is going to lose. The crowd will ask them to "warm up the bus" for the trip home.

Wrap Around:

When a player skates around behind the opposing goal and attempts to wrap the puck around the goal post under the goalie.

Beat Him Like Grandma Does an Old Throw Rug:

In reference to a goalie being deked or otherwise scored on in an embarrassing manner.

Between the Pillows:

A shot or deflection that goes between a goaltenders leg pads (aka Pillows).

Dots:

The face off circles.

Equipment Sale:

Act of disgarding sticks, gloves, helmets and various other articles of equipment; usually in preparation to engage in fisticuffs.

(in the) Paint:

Goal crease.

Pond:

The ice surface.

A Rough Ride:

Player hit hard into the boards.

Puck Rimmed In:

Puck shot all the way around the boards and behind the attacking zone net.

Pulling the Chute:

Fans leaving the game/arena early thinking the game's outcome is already decided or a player falling to the ice and pulling his opponent down on top of him to prematurely end a fight.

Shot in the Melon or Grill:

Punch or stick to the face.

Sprung a Leak:

Player has gotten cut and is bleeding.

Top Shelf, Up Where Uncle Bob Keeps the Bourbon Bottle:

Shot lifted up under the cross bar, usually leaving the goalie with little or no chance of making a save.