Hockey positions explained

The short version

A standard hockey lineup has six players on the ice for each team: one goalie, two defensemen and three forwards (a center, a left wing and a right wing). Youth leagues often teach players to rotate through several spots early on, so do not worry if your child plays different roles in the first season. Understanding who does what makes the game much easier to watch, even if the puck moves quickly.

Goalie

The goalie guards the net and is the only player allowed to freeze the puck with a hand to stop play. Goalies wear their own specialized, heavier protective equipment, and they often wear a different style of mask and larger pads. Many teams ask families to talk with the coach before buying anything, since leagues sometimes supply goalie gear. A goalie also helps the defense by talking, stopping the puck behind the net and clearing rebounds.

Defensemen

Two defensemen, often called "D," protect their own end first. They keep opponents away from the net, break up passes, take the puck from attackers along the boards and start the play moving up the ice. A defenseman also joins the attack by passing to forwards or taking a shot from near the blue line. Defensemen generally need to skate backward well, so you will see a lot of backward skating drills at practice.

Forwards

Center

The center plays in the middle of the ice and works in all three zones. Centers usually take the faceoffs, help their defensemen in their own end and support the wingers on attack. Because the center covers a lot of ground, the role rewards skating stamina and awareness.

Left wing and right wing

Wingers play along each side of the ice. They look for passes, shoot, battle for the puck on the boards and get back to help on defense. A line normally means a center and two wingers who play together, and the three change on and off the ice as a group.

Lines and pairs

• Forward line: a center and two wingers who take shifts together.
• Defensive pair: two defensemen who share a shift.
• Special teams: units used on the power play or when shorthanded, covered in the glossary.

Playing as a unit helps teammates learn each other's habits, such as where a linemate likes to receive a pass. Coaches choose how often to rotate lines. In many youth programs everyone gets regular ice time, but this depends on the league, so ask the coach early.

Zones and responsibilities

Each role has a main job depending on where the puck is. This table is a general guide, because coaches teach different systems.

Helping a young player find a fit

• Encourage trying forward, defense and, if your child is curious, goalie.
• Strong skaters often drift toward defense or center, while others love the fast pace of wing. There is no wrong answer.
• Goalie is a big commitment because of the equipment. Talk with the coach and your family before deciding.
• Remind your child that every position works on skating, passing and shooting. A defenseman who can pass well and a winger who can back-check are both valuable, and learning several spots makes a player more adaptable. Let your child enjoy the experiment and let the coach guide the rest.

For rules that govern where players can go, read hockey rules for beginners.