Hitting and being hit are two very different things, and knowing how to defend yourself effectively in hockey depends on which positions you play. There are six key roles on the ice for each team, and knowing what your job is specifically can help you play your best every game. Here is a general idea of what each of the roles entails:
Table of Contents
The Goalie
The goalie is responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring by keeping the puck out of the net. This job requires a lot of physical energy and the ability to make key saves at critical times throughout the game. The most important things a goalie can do are make the right saves at the right time and give their team the confidence to play harder for longer. Knowing the basic setup on the ice can help you be a better goalie and know when to come out for specific situations. For instance, if you are playing in the NHL, you will be facing top-notch shots every night, so you need to make sure that you are in good shape and know how to properly set your pads the right way. There are generally three keys to being a good goalie: strong mental preparation, strong physical preparation, and knowing the right instincts when the puck is dropped. A good goalie should always be prepared for the unexpected and stay focused throughout the game so that their team can count on them when the puck is dropped. Being confident and poised in all situations is especially important for goalies because it allows them to make the right decisions when the action gets tough. A confident goalie will not be afraid to try something new even if it seems risky, and the fact that they are confident boosts the morale of the entire team while also keeping the opposing team off-balance.
The Defensemen
The defensemen are responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring by cutting off the supply of ice to the other team’s main man. The job of a defenseman depends on where they are positioned on the ice; some are strictly responsible for defending their own zone while others are required to roam the entire ice area and keep the puck out of the net while also preventing goals themselves. Some NHL defensemen are famous for their physical play and willingness to throw a big hit now and then while others prefer to stay out of the way and let their goalie do the dirty work. However, no matter what your favorite flavor is, the most important thing for a defenseman is stick to the basics and know where you should be positioned on the ice based on your defensive zone and which player the opposition is trying to get to the net. It is generally accepted that the closer you are to the ice, the better off you are because you can see the entire ice area and know where to be where at any given moment. Knowing where to be is especially important when you are switching sides of the ice and cannot see where you are going. A good defensemen always has their head up watching the play and staying in the right position so that even when they are not specifically guarding a particular area, they are still ready to jump in to help if need be.
The Defense Squad
A defense squad is generally made up of the four defensemen plus one goaltender who are on the ice for a particular team at the same time. In some leagues, this role is known as the second line, and a team’s defense usually includes at least one or two prominent defensemen who lead by example rather than just by words. A good defense squad is hard to find because they need to be able to play together well and know how to work as a unit despite being on two different teams. When looking for a defense squad, keep in mind that the position of the defenseman in the back and their ability to transition quickly to offense make them appealing prospects for an NHL team.
Here is a general idea of what each of the positions entails:
The Center
The center is responsible for moving the puck from one end of the ice to the other, dictating the play and making the right decisions. The job of the center involves a lot of possession, so they must be comfortable with keeping the puck for long periods of time and making smart passes. Also, centers need to know when to take a seat on the bench and when to get back out on the ice and make some more fancy moves. Some centers like Sidney Crosby are considered elite because of their speed and ability to score; others are known for their good playmaking skills while still others are best known for their toughness and willingness to fight for the puck. The most important thing for a center is to be precise with your passes, confident in your decision-making, and never, ever give up on the play. If you are not comfortable taking a hit, perhaps you should consider playing another position. There is plenty of room for everyone in the hockey world, and you can find a position that suits your skills perfectly.
The Left Wing
The left wing is generally considered to be one of the most difficult positions in hockey because you are responsible for both offense and defense. The left wing has the task of getting the puck into the offensive zone and either scoring themselves or assisting a teammate to do so. However, once the puck is in the offensive zone, it is up to the individual left wingers to do what they can to secure the puck and not get scored on themselves or give it away easily. Good left wings are extremely tough to find because they need to have both the offensive and defensive tools to succeed. Some of the best left wings in the league can move effortlessly from one end of the ice to the other making quick, precise passes while also knowing how to fight for the puck and throw a big hit when needed. In addition to being skilled, left wings should also be willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the team.
Here is a general idea of what each of the positions entails:
The Right Wing
The right wing is generally considered to be the position of the shooter; they are responsible for using their speed and skill to either score or assist in a goal. Shooting and being shot at are two very different things, and knowing how to defend yourself effectively in hockey depends on which positions you play. There are six key roles on the ice for each team, and knowing what your job is specifically can help you play your best every game. Here is a general idea of what each of the roles entails:
- The Shooter: Using their speed and skill to either score or assist in a goal.
- The Faceoff Man: Taking faceoffs and winning the majority of them for their team. The faceoff man also tries to get his teammates involved in the action so that they are not on the bench too long waiting for a chance to do something.
- The Scorer: Being able to score and knowing how to find the open ice effectively are essential for being a successful right winger. Once the puck is in the offensive zone, it is up to the individual right wingers to do what they can to secure the puck and not give it away easily. Good right wings are extremely tough to find because they need to have both the offensive and defensive tools to succeed.
- The Playmaker: Creating and assisting in goals is a fundamental part of being a playmaker. However, playmakers also need to know how to find open ice effectively and make the right pass when their teammate is open to receive it. A good playmaker can move effortlessly back and forth between offense and defense and be equally effective at either position.
- The Defender: Defending their own zone and preventing the opposing team from scoring are the most important tasks for defensemen. They also must be able to cut off the supply of ice to the other team’s main man and be effective at taking hits as well as delivering them. Some defenders are more physical than others and like to throw a big hit now and then; others prefer to stay out of the way and let their goalie do the dirty work.
Here is a general idea of what each of the positions entails:
The Left Defenseman
The left defenseman is responsible for preventing the opposing team from getting to the goalie and net by cutting off the supply of ice to their main man. A good left defenseman is extremely important because they are the first line of defense and generally the last person the opposing team wants to see when they are in the opposing zone. When playing in the NHL, teams usually have one prominent defenseman who leads by example rather than just by words, and a good left defenseman is a great leader who always makes the right play. Being the first line of defense means that the left defenseman has to be strong and physical, as well as know how to use their body effectively to block shots and quickly transition to offense when the opportunity arises. A good left defenseman also needs to know when to come out for specific situations and when to stay back because they have their partner in front of them helping out. If you are not comfortable taking a hit, perhaps you should consider playing another position.