In sports, there are individuals who are referred to as “Wingers” or “Wafflers.” These individuals get the nickname because they aggressively rush the puck carrier and try to knock the puck away with their stick. While the majority of the time the puck is going to move away from the player taking the hit, it occasionally can slip and cause serious injury. Knowing the risks, many people choose to stay away from this role.
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Winger In Hockey – General Description
The role of a hockey winger is to operate on the outside part of the ice. Typically, they are the first players you will see when entering the rink. Many times they will be the only players in the game. They are usually smaller than the other players and wear different colors to identify themselves. They are typically skilled in stick handling. Their main objective is to create space for their hockey team to operate in by getting the puck to the other players or by taking the penalty shot.
Winger In Hockey – History
Hockey has always been a competitive sport, and throughout the years, the participants have continued to try and find ways to stay sharp. One of the ways they do this is by keeping track of individual statistics, such as goals and assists. In the 1960s, teams started keeping track of their own statistics too, so that everyone could follow their progress more easily. This is how the idea of a “winger” or “waffler” came about. In the beginning, these individuals would regularly track down the puck and try to knock it away with their stick. As the sport grew in popularity and started to be played in international competitions, the role of the winger changed to focus more on scoring goals rather than preventing them. Today, some hockey enthusiasts still keep track of their winger statistics, and in some cases this is even incorporated into the game itself. For example, in Cube Ice Hockey, there is a special “winger shot” that can be used to knock the puck away from the opponents.
Winger In Hockey – Equipment Required
On average, a hockey game will require the following equipment:
- A helmet
- A jersey
- A pair of pants
- A shirt
- A pair of gloves
- A pair of shoes
- A puck
While it’s not essential that you wear all of these items, it is desirable. A good helmet will protect your head from getting injured in the event of a hit. A sturdy jersey will prevent abrasions from happening in the event you are checked hard by the opposing player. Pants and a shirt will help keep you clean, as well as allow easy movement. Good quality gloves will prevent your hands from getting too cold while playing.
Winger In Hockey – Roles And Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a hockey winger are as follows:
- To create space for their team by reaching out and passing the puck
- To score goals by shooting or hooking the puck
- To get in front of the net to receive the puck and pass it on to teammates
- To be the leader of the team by setting an example on and off the ice
- To know when to fight and when not to fight
- To play with an aggressive attitude
- To hit hard and take hits
- To be a mentor to younger players
As a winger, you will be taking on more responsibility than most other players. You need to be a leader both on and off the ice, and know when to be aggressive and when not to be. Because you will be taking hits and getting in the way of the puck, you need to have the physical ability to do this.
Key Points To Remember
When playing hockey, try to keep the following points in mind: