Unlocking the Mystery: What is a Can Opener in Hockey?

Are you a hockey fan looking to improve your knowledge of the game? Have you heard of the term “can opener” but don’t quite understand what it means? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore the mysterious world of the can opener move in hockey, breaking down its definition, history, and controversies surrounding it.

What is a can opener in hockey, exactly? A move that can be both effective and controversial, the can opener is a defensive technique used by players to lift or “pop” an opposing player’s stick using their own stick and body to gain control of the puck.

But where did this move come from? The origins of the can opener are a bit murky, but it is believed to have been popularized in the 1990s as a response to the increasingly prevalent tactic of using the body to shield the puck from opponents.

So, whether you’re a player looking to add this move to your arsenal or a fan looking to understand the game better, keep reading to unlock the mystery of the can opener in hockey.

Defining the Can Opener Move

The can opener move in hockey is a defensive technique used to regain possession of the puck. It involves the defender using their stick to lift an opponent’s stick in order to disrupt their control of the puck. Once the opponent’s stick is lifted, the defender can use their body to push the opponent off the puck and gain control.

The can opener move is a physical play that requires skill and timing. It can be executed in a legal manner, but can also result in a penalty if done improperly. A properly executed can opener can quickly shift momentum in favor of the defending team and create scoring opportunities.

The move is called a can opener because it resembles the motion of opening a can with a can opener. The defender uses their stick to lift the opponent’s stick, similar to how a can opener lifts the lid of a can. The term has been used in hockey for many years, but its exact origins are unknown.

The Can Opener in Hockey: A Definition

The Can Opener is a defensive move used in hockey to disrupt an opposing player’s progress by lifting their stick with the blade and forcing them off balance. It is typically executed by a defenseman on a forward who is carrying the puck down the ice. The move’s name comes from the way it resembles a can opener in action.

1. Execution: To perform the Can Opener, a defenseman positions themselves behind an opponent with the puck and places their stick blade between the opponent’s legs. The defenseman then lifts the opponent’s stick, forcing them off balance and preventing them from skating forward.
2. Penalty: The Can Opener is a legal move when executed properly, but it can result in a penalty if done incorrectly. If a defenseman uses excessive force or lifts their opponent’s stick too high, it can be considered tripping or slashing, resulting in a minor or major penalty.
3. Effectiveness: When executed correctly, the Can Opener is an effective way to disrupt an opponent’s momentum and gain control of the puck. It requires precise timing and skill, and can be a valuable tool for defensemen to have in their arsenal.
4. Counter: The best way to counter the Can Opener is to keep your stick low and maintain balance while carrying the puck. If you feel the defenseman starting to execute the move, quickly move the puck to a teammate or use a body fake to avoid being tripped up.
5. Evolution: The Can Opener has been used in hockey for decades and has evolved over time as players have become more skilled and the rules have changed. In the past, the move was often used more aggressively, but today it is typically executed with more finesse.
6. Famous Examples: Many professional hockey players are known for their skill in executing the Can Opener, including Chris Pronger, Zdeno Chara, and Shea Weber. These players have mastered the move and use it effectively to gain control of the puck and disrupt their opponents’ momentum.

Overall, the Can Opener is a valuable defensive move that can be an effective tool for disrupting an opponent’s momentum and gaining control of the puck. It requires skill and precise timing to execute properly, and players who have mastered the move can use it to great effect on the ice.

How to Perform the Can Opener

The Can Opener is a unique move that requires precise timing and coordination. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to execute the move:

1. Positioning: Stand behind the opposing player, who has the puck and is skating forward with their head down.
2. Contact: Place your stick between the opposing player’s legs and lift up on their stick, causing them to fall backwards.
3. Follow-Through: As the opposing player falls, use your body to ride them to the ice, landing on top of them and preventing them from getting back up quickly.
4. Recovery: Quickly get back on your feet and back into position.

Note that while the Can Opener is a legal move in hockey, it can still be dangerous if not executed properly. It is important to practice this move in a controlled environment with a coach or experienced player.

Origins and Evolution of the Can Opener

The Can Opener is a popular defensive move used in hockey, but where did it come from? The exact origins of the Can Opener are difficult to trace, but it is believed to have been developed in the 1990s by players looking for new ways to defend against the opposition. The move has since evolved and become a staple in the sport.

The Can Opener is thought to have been inspired by other defensive moves, such as the hip check and the poke check. It involves the defender using their stick to lift the opponent’s stick or interfere with their hands, disrupting their ability to control the puck or make a play.

Over time, players have developed different variations of the Can Opener, incorporating techniques such as angling and body positioning to make it more effective. Some players even use it as a way to intimidate opponents and establish dominance on the ice.

The Can Opener: A Relatively Recent Addition to Hockey

Despite its widespread use in modern hockey, the can opener is a relatively new addition to the game. It is believed to have originated in the 1980s or early 1990s, possibly in the minor leagues or European leagues, before making its way to the NHL. While its exact origins are uncertain, it is generally agreed that the move was popularized by defenseman Mark Tinordi during his time with the Washington Capitals in the early 1990s.

Since then, the can opener has become a go-to move for many defensemen looking to disrupt an opponent’s rush up the ice. As it has evolved, the can opener has taken on different variations and has been adapted to different situations on the ice.

While the can opener is now a familiar sight on hockey rinks around the world, it is interesting to consider how recently it was introduced and how quickly it became a staple of the game.

How the Can Opener Has Evolved Over Time

As hockey has evolved, so too has the can opener move. Originally, the can opener was a relatively simple move in which a defending player would lift an opponent’s stick with their own stick to disrupt their play. However, over time, players began to add more force and speed to the move, turning it into a more aggressive defensive technique.

In recent years, the can opener has become a controversial move due to its potential for injury. As a result, the NHL has cracked down on the move, with referees calling penalties on players who use the can opener in a dangerous or reckless manner.

Despite these changes, the can opener remains a popular move among defenders, with many players still using it as a way to disrupt their opponents and gain an advantage on the ice.

Controversies Surrounding the Can Opener

Safety Concerns: The can opener has been controversial in the hockey world due to the potential for serious injury. Opponents argue that the move can cause spinal and neck injuries, as well as concussions.

Penalty Calls: Referees are often called upon to make a judgment call when a can opener is executed. It can be difficult to determine whether a player is using the move illegally or simply attempting to take the puck from an opponent.

Views on Legality: Opinions on the legality of the can opener are divided. Some argue that it is a legitimate defensive tactic, while others view it as a dangerous and dirty play. This has led to debates about whether the move should be banned from the sport altogether.

Is the Can Opener a Dangerous Move?

The can opener has been the source of controversy in the hockey world due to concerns over player safety. Many players have suffered serious injuries as a result of this move, including spinal injuries, concussions, and neck strains.

Some argue that the can opener is a dirty move that should be banned from the game, while others argue that it is a legitimate defensive tactic that requires skill and precision. Despite the controversy, the can opener remains a legal move in hockey.

However, players are expected to execute the move safely and within the rules of the game. The NHL has implemented strict penalties for players who use the can opener in a dangerous manner, such as when the opponent is vulnerable or unable to protect themselves.

The NHL’s Stance on the Can Opener

The National Hockey League (NHL) has taken a strong stance against the can opener, considering it to be a dangerous and illegal move. The NHL Rulebook defines the can opener as a “tripping penalty,” and players who execute this move can face penalties or even suspensions.

The NHL has implemented various measures to discourage the use of the can opener. In 2013, the NHL’s Player Safety Department issued a video warning players of the dangers of the move and explaining the penalties for executing it. The league has also increased the severity of penalties for players who engage in this maneuver, hoping to reduce its use on the ice.

Despite these efforts, some players still continue to use the can opener, arguing that it is a legitimate defensive move. However, the NHL remains firm in its stance that the can opener is a dangerous and illegal maneuver that has no place in the game of hockey.

Overall, the NHL’s stance on the can opener reflects its commitment to player safety and fair play on the ice. While the move may have once been a common tactic, the league has made it clear that it will not tolerate any action that puts its players at risk of injury.

Controversial Incidents Involving the Can Opener

Despite being a legal move, there have been several controversial incidents involving the can opener throughout the history of hockey. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2009 when Ottawa Senators player Jarkko Ruutu used the move on Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta, causing Kaleta to suffer a concussion.

In another incident, Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was accused of using the can opener on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand during a playoff game in 201The incident led to a heated exchange between the two players and sparked a debate about the legality of the move.

More recently, in 2021, Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen was fined for using the can opener on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie. The incident reignited the debate about the safety of the move and raised questions about whether it should be banned.

Effective Strategies to Counter the Can Opener

While the can opener is a popular move in hockey, it can also be countered effectively with the right strategies. One effective strategy is to use your body to protect the puck from the defender’s stick. This can be done by keeping your body between the defender and the puck and using your body to shield the puck from the defender’s stick. Another effective strategy is to use your feet to protect the puck. This can be done by moving your feet quickly to avoid the defender’s stick and maintain control of the puck.

Another strategy to counter the can opener is to use quick, sharp movements with the puck. This can make it more difficult for the defender to anticipate your movements and execute the can opener effectively. Additionally, using fakes and dekes can be an effective way to keep the defender off balance and create space to make a play.

Finally, one of the most effective strategies to counter the can opener is to improve your overall puck handling skills. By practicing stickhandling, passing, and shooting, you can improve your ability to control the puck and maintain possession, making it more difficult for the defender to execute the can opener or any other defensive move.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to the Can Opener

The Can Opener can be a dangerous and disruptive move in ice hockey, but there are ways to avoid falling victim to it. Here are some strategies:

Stay Low: Players who stay low and keep their center of gravity low are less likely to be lifted off their feet by the Can Opener.

Keep Your Feet Moving: Players who keep their feet moving and maintain good balance are less likely to be taken down by the Can Opener.

Protect the Puck: Players who keep the puck close to their body and use their body to shield it from defenders are less vulnerable to the Can Opener.

Remember, the best way to avoid falling victim to the Can Opener is to stay aware of your surroundings on the ice and be prepared for any type of physical play. By keeping these strategies in mind, you can reduce your risk of injury and stay focused on the game.

Professional Players Known for their Can Opener Mastery

Chris Pronger: A former NHL defenseman known for his physical style of play, Pronger was notorious for his effective use of the can opener. He would often use it to disrupt opposing forwards and gain possession of the puck.

Shea Weber: Another NHL defenseman known for his physicality, Weber is known to have a strong can opener that he uses to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. He has been recognized as one of the best defensemen in the league for his ability to control the game with his physical play.

Zdeno Chara: At 6’9″, Chara is the tallest player in NHL history, and he uses his size to his advantage when using the can opener. He is known for his strong defensive play and has been recognized for his ability to shut down opposing teams’ top forwards.

Players Who Have Mastered the Can Opener

Chris Pronger: A former NHL player who was known for his aggressive and physical style of play, Pronger was also a master of the can opener. He used this move to effectively neutralize opposing players and gain possession of the puck.

Scott Stevens: Another former NHL player, Stevens was known for his hard-hitting defensive style and his ability to execute the can opener. His use of the move helped him become a seven-time All-Star and a three-time Stanley Cup champion.

Niklas Hjalmarsson: Currently playing for the Arizona Coyotes, Hjalmarsson is known for his exceptional defensive skills and his ability to use the can opener to perfection. He has helped his teams win three Stanley Cups and is widely considered one of the best defensive players in the game today.

Shea Weber: Currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Weber is known for his powerful slap shot and his ability to play a physical game. He is also skilled at using the can opener to disrupt his opponents’ offensive plays and gain possession of the puck.

The Best Can Opener Moves in NHL History

Player	Team	Opponent
Scott Stevens	New Jersey Devils	Eric Lindros
Chris Pronger	Edmonton Oilers	Dustin Brown
Rob Blake	Los Angeles Kings	Joe Nieuwendyk
Adam Foote	Colorado Avalanche	Brendan Morrow

One of the most iconic Can Opener moves in NHL history was Scott Stevens’ hit on Eric Lindros during the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals. Stevens caught Lindros with his head down and delivered a devastating blow that sent the Philadelphia Flyers star out of the game and the series.

Another memorable Can Opener came from Chris Pronger during the 2012 playoffs. Pronger, then with the Edmonton Oilers, caught Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings with his head down and sent him flying with a vicious hit.

Rob Blake’s Can Opener on Joe Nieuwendyk during the 1999 playoffs was another classic moment in NHL history. The Los Angeles Kings defenseman caught Nieuwendyk in the neutral zone and sent him crashing to the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions