Hockey Lingo

Backcheck: Forwards skate back to their defensive zone to help protect the goal.

Bodycheck: Using the hip or shoulder to slow or stop an opponent with the puck.

Breakaway: A player who gets past all defenders, facing only the goaltender.

Charging: Taking more than two strides or jumping before checking an opponent—illegal and penalized.

Crease: The blue area in front of the goal.

Cross-Checking: Hitting an opponent with both hands on the stick while no part of the stick touches the ice—an illegal move.

Deke: A fake-out move to get past a defender or goaltender.

Drop Pass: Leaving the puck behind for a trailing teammate to pick up.

Faceoff: How the puck is put into play at the start of the game or after a stoppage.

Forechecking: Forwards hustling into the opponent’s zone to regain control of the puck.

Freezing the Puck: Pinning the puck against the boards using skates or stick.

Hat Trick: Scoring three goals in one game by the same player.

High Sticking: Illegally hitting an opponent with the stick above shoulder height.

Holding: Grabbing an opponent or their equipment—illegal and penalized.

Interference: Impeding a player without the puck—also illegal.

Neutral Zone: The center ice area between the blue lines.

Point: A defenseman’s position near the blue line in the opponent’s zone.

Poke Check: Using the stick to knock the puck away from an opponent.

Power Play: A team with more players on the ice due to an opponent’s penalty.

Screen Shot: A shot the goalie can’t see clearly due to a player blocking their view.

Slashing: Swinging the stick at an opponent—penalized even without contact.

Slot: The area between the two faceoff circles in front of the net.

Spearing: Jabbing an opponent with the stick—results in a five-minute major penalty.

Stick Handling: Controlling the puck with the stick while skating.

Sweep Check: Laying flat on the ice and using the stick to knock the puck away.