If you're a hockey mom or dad who's suddenly found yourself thrust into the world of hockey after your kid decided they want to play, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the strange terms and phrases that get thrown around. Fear not! Our beginner's hockey glossary is here to help. Whether you're a complete newbie to the sport or just need a refresher, this glossary has everything you need to know about the game. From assists to slap shots, we'll guide you through the basics of the coolest game on ice. So grab your skates and get ready to impress your little hockey star with your newfound knowledge of the sport!
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Assist: When a player helps set up a goal by passing the puck to the scorer.
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Backcheck: When a player skates back towards their own defensive zone to prevent a scoring chance by the other team.
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Forecheck: When a player pressures the other team's defense while they are trying to bring the puck out of their own zone.
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Goalie: The player whose primary role is to prevent the other team from scoring by stopping shots on goal.
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Icing: When a player shoots the puck from their own side of the red line all the way to the other team's end, resulting in a faceoff in their own end.
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Offside: When an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck.
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Penalty: A punishment given to a player for breaking the rules, resulting in time spent in the penalty box.
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Power play: When one team has a numerical advantage due to a penalty by the other team.
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Shot on goal: A shot that would have gone into the net if not for the goalie making a save.
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Slap shot: A type of shot where the player winds up and then takes a big swing at the puck to generate more power and speed.
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Stickhandling: The act of moving the puck back and forth in front of the player using their stick.
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Winger: A forward who plays on the sides of the ice and is responsible for assisting the center and scoring goals.
This short glossary includes some of the most essential terms and phrases for someone who is new to hockey and wants to understand the basics.
Now that you know your assists from your slap shots, you're well on your way to becoming a true hockey aficionado. But let's face it, you're not a real hockey fan until you've decked yourself out in your favorite team's jersey and eaten your weight in arena hot dogs. And if you need to stock up on any hockey gear before the big game, look no further than Hockey Joe. We've got everything you need, from hockey tape and stick wax to pucks and other accessories. So lace up your skates, grab your stick, and let's go get 'em!