The Game: Players and Positions
In a full ice hockey game, each team has six players on the ice—this is called "full strength." For our youngest players (6U & 8U), games are played cross-ice, making the game faster, more fun, and a great fit for their age. Teams consist of one goaltender, two defensemen, and three forwards. Players rotate in and out from the bench during play or after a whistle.
Positions Breakdown:
- Center: This player takes face-offs and is the heart of the team, balancing both offense and defense. They help set up goals and also have more defensive responsibilities.
- Left Wing & Right Wing: These forwards start alongside the center during face-offs. While they help out defensively, their main focus is creating offensive opportunities. Despite their titles, they can move freely across the ice.
- Defensemen: Positioned behind the forwards, their job is to prevent the other team from scoring and help clear the puck out of the defensive zone. They’ll chip in offensively too but generally stay closer to their own end.
- Goaltender: The brick wall. The goalie’s only job is to stop the puck from hitting the back of the net, equipped with special gear for maximum protection and mobility.
The Three Zones:
- Defensive Zone: The area between your goal and the first blue line, where your team protects the net.
- Neutral Zone: The area between the two blue lines, where teams battle for puck control.
- Offensive Zone: The area between the second blue line and the opponent’s net, where your team looks to score.
Teams switch sides after the first period, so the zone that was your defensive zone becomes your offensive zone and vice versa. After the second period, they switch back for the final period.
