The Ultimate Guide to Hockey “Technical Terms”: Learn the Language of the Ice with MCHL
Hockey has its own language, and if you're new to the sport, it can be a bit overwhelming. From "icing" to "power play," there are plenty of terms that you'll need to know to fully understand the game. Luckily, MCHL is here to help with our complete list of hockey lingo. Whether you're a new player, fan, or just looking to improve your hockey vocabulary, this guide will give you everything you need to know.
But knowing the lingo is only half the battle. It's important to use these terms correctly and in the right context. For example, calling a penalty shot when it's actually a breakaway can make you look inexperienced or out of touch. So here are some tips from MCHL on how to use these terms effectively:
Assist - A pass that sets up a goal.
Backcheck - Defending against the opposition's rush into the defensive zone.
Boarding - Checking an opponent into the boards from behind, resulting in a penalty.
Breakaway - A player who has passed all defenders and is in the clear, having a chance to score a goal.
Deke - A fake-out move used to trick a defender.
Faceoff - A method of starting play in which an official drops the puck between two opposing players.
Forecheck - Pressuring the opposition in their defensive zone to regain possession of the puck.
Hat trick - Scoring three goals in a single game.
High sticking - A penalty called when a player hits an opponent with a stick above the shoulders.
Icing - A play in which a player shoots the puck from behind their own side of the red line all the way down to the opponent's end of the ice without it being touched, resulting in a stoppage of play.
One-timer - Shooting the puck immediately after receiving a pass.
Penalty shot - A free shot given to a player as a result of a penalty.
Power play - A situation where one team has more players on the ice than the other, typically as a result of a penalty, giving them an advantage.
Slapshot - A hard, powerful shot using a full wind-up and a striking motion with the stick.
Wrist shot - A quick, accurate shot taken with a flick of the wrist.
These are just a few examples of the many terms used in hockey. Becoming familiar with hockey lingo is essential for both players and fans who want to understand and fully appreciate the game.
