Commonly used words and phrases in a hockey game...
Backcheck
Forwards in the enemy zone skate back quickly to their own end to protect the goal.
Bodycheck
Slowing or stopping an opponent with the puck with the hip or shoulder.
Breakaway
A player who skates in on goal ahead of all opponents except the goaltender.
Butt Ending
Hitting an opponent with the end of the stick farthest from the blade. Illegal and calls for a penalty.
Charging
Taking more than 2 strides or jumping before checking an opponent. Illegal and calls for a penalty.
Crease
The blue area directly in front of the goal.
Cross-Checking
Hitting an opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice. Illegal and calls for a penalty.
Deke
A "faking" motion with the stick or body, used to draw a defender or goaltender out of position.
Drop Pass
The puck carrier will leave the puck behind to be picked up by a trailing teammate.
Faceoff
How the puck is put into play to start the game or after any stop in game action.
Forechecking
Hustling into the opponent’s defensive zone by the forwards who want to keep the puck there, and hopefully take it away.
Freezing the Puck
Pinning the puck against the boards with either stick or skates.
Hat Trick
Three goals scored by the same player in one game.
Headmanning
When a player passes the puck forward to an attacking teammate.
High Sticking
Illegally striking an opponent with the stick above shoulder level.
Holding
Using the hands and grasping an opponent or his equipment. Illegal and calls for a penalty.
Interference
Impeding the progress of an opponent who doesn’t have the puck or who is in contention for the puck. Also called for knocking an opponent’s fallen stick out of his reach. Illegal and calls for a penalty.
Neutral Zone
Center ice between the blue lines.
Point
Position just inside the opposition’s blue line usually manned by a defenseman when their team is in control of the puck in the opposition’s zone.
Poke Check
Stabbing at the puck with the blade of the stick to take it from the puck carrier.
Power Play
A team with more players n the ice than the opposition due to penalties.
Screen Shot
A shot the goalie cannot see clearly because of a player between him and the shooter.
Slashing
Sticking an opponent with the stick. Illegal and calls for a penalty even if no contact occurs.
Slot
The "alley" between the two circles directly in front of the nets.
Spearing
Using the stick like a spear. Illegal and calls for a 5-minute major penalty.
Stick Handling
Carrying the puck along the ice with the stick.
Sweep Check
Using the entire length of the stick while laying flat on the ice in order to take the puck from the center.
