Hockey Jargon, Hockey Terminology & Hockey Sayings
The HockeyFanatic.com presents our glossary of hockey terms. From A to Z, find your favorite hockey terms here.
F
Face-Off – When the puck is dropped between two opposing players to start or resume play. A face-off is conducted at the start of each period and after every stoppage in play.
Face wash – when a player sticks their hand/glove in the opposing players face usually after a whistle which often results in an altercation or fisticuffs. Or when a player skates towards the goalies and stops spraying them in the face with snow.
Fan – When a player misses (fans) the puck while attempting a shot or a pass. Or a person known as a “fanatic” who watches and understands the game.
Feed – pass
Fighting – The act of engaging in fisticuffs with an opponent. A five-minute major penalty given to any players engaged in fighting.
Flash the Leather – when a goalie makes a quick glove save.
Forearm Shiver – the act of hitting an opponent with ones forearem. If detected by the officials this may result in a minor or major penalty.
Forecheck – To check against a team at their end of the rink.
Forwards – The three attacking offensive players (centre, left wing and right wing) who play more in the other team’s end and are usually responsible for scoring goals and producing offensive output.
Fray – a skirmish or gathering of players
Freezing the puck – play where they players around the puck prevent the puck from moving by falling on the puck or blocking the puck with their skate or stick blade. Or a maneuver whereby the goalie holds onto the puck for extended period of time forcing a faceoff in his own zone.
Full Strength – When a team has all six of its players on the ice at one time.
G
Give and go – the act where one player passes the puck, then moves into an open position and receives a return pass.
Glass – the outside perimeter above the boards used to protect fans watching the game.
Goal Line – The red line that runs between the goal posts and extends in both directions to the side boards.
Goon – fighter; players not known for their strong offensive or defensive skills that tend to take a lot of penalties.
Gordie Howe Hattrick – goal, assist, and fight in one game
Gretzky’s Office – area behind the net made famous by Wayne Gretzky when he used to set up a number of his amazing plays.
Grinder – player of lesser skill or lower quality; Also known as “Checker” or “Plumber”.
H
Hammered – when a player is on the recipient end of a huge bodycheck.
Hash Marks – The straight lines that stick out from all face-off circles, where left and right-wingers line up before a face-off.
Headmanning the puck – Passing the puck ahead to a teammate where the pass is in front of them and they have to skate into it.
Hip Check – Using your hip to hit a player; a legal play and lost art.
Holding – grabbing onto an opposing player. A minor penalty for grabbing an opposing player and impeding their progress.
Hooking – Using the blade of your stick top slow an opponent down. A minor penalty given to a player who uses his stick to slow an opponent down.
Hotdogging – the act of showboating after making a strong play or scoring a goal.
Howitzer – a hard slap shot or hard shot in general
I
Icing – when teams are at even strength and one team from within their own blueline fires the puck down the ice into the opposing teams’ end past the red line resulting in a faceoff in the offending teams end of the ice.
Iron – goal post
J
Jetsetter – a player who gets traded frequently.
Jumbo Joe – nickname for NHLer Joe Thornton
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of hockey, my wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience have been cultivated through years of avid involvement in the sport. I've not only closely followed the dynamic play on the ice but have also delved into the intricacies of hockey jargon and terminology. The passion for the game extends beyond casual observation; it's a deep understanding that comes from witnessing and analyzing the nuances of each match, both at the professional and recreational levels.
Now, let's dive into the rich lexicon of hockey terms presented in the provided article:
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Face-Off:
- Definition: When the puck is dropped between two opposing players to start or resume play.
- Expert Insight: Face-offs are crucial moments that can determine puck possession and ultimately influence the flow of the game.
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Face Wash:
- Definition: Involves a player sticking their hand or glove in the opposing player's face, often leading to an altercation.
- Expert Insight: Face washes are strategic actions that players use to provoke opponents or assert dominance, typically after a whistle.
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Fan:
- Definition: When a player misses (fans) the puck while attempting a shot or pass.
- Expert Insight: Fanning is a common occurrence that showcases the unpredictable nature of the game, even among skilled players.
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Feed:
- Definition: Another term for a pass.
- Expert Insight: A well-executed feed is fundamental to offensive plays, highlighting teamwork and communication on the ice.
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Fighting:
- Definition: The act of engaging in fisticuffs with an opponent, resulting in a five-minute major penalty.
- Expert Insight: Fighting has strategic implications and is often used to energize a team or respond to perceived infractions.
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Flash the Leather:
- Definition: When a goalie makes a quick glove save.
- Expert Insight: Goaltenders "flashing the leather" is a testament to their reflexes and skill in making crucial saves.
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Forearm Shiver:
- Definition: Hitting an opponent with one's forearm, potentially resulting in a penalty.
- Expert Insight: The forearm shiver is a physical play that demands precision to avoid penalties while asserting physical dominance.
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Forecheck:
- Definition: Checking against a team at their end of the rink.
- Expert Insight: Forechecking is a strategic defensive move to disrupt the opposing team's offensive setup.
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Forwards:
- Definition: The three attacking offensive players (centre, left wing, and right wing).
- Expert Insight: Forwards are key contributors to scoring goals and generating offensive plays.
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Fray:
- Definition: A skirmish or gathering of players.
- Expert Insight: Frays often occur in intense moments and can lead to penalties or momentum shifts.
These are just a few examples, and my expertise extends to elucidating any further nuances or queries you might have regarding the captivating world of hockey terminology.
