Last updated: Sep 06, 2023
Ice hockey is one of the most unique sports in the world, combining the intense physical contact of football and rugby, the scoring system of soccer, and the exciting experience of ice skating into a fantastic, one-of-a-kind sport. For those who want to learn more about the complexities of ice hockey, a great place to start is learning the major player positions. Read on to learn all about each position in ice hockey.
Table of Contents
- Positions in Hockey
- Goalie
- Forwards
- Defensem*n
- Team Captains
- FAQ
Positions in Hockey
There are six different positions in ice hockey, meaning that a total of 12 players are on the ice at any one point in the game.The major positions in ice hockey are:
- Goalie
- Center
- Left Winger
- Right Winger
- Left Defenseman
- Right Defenseman
Each hockey position has a different role on the ice and set of responsibilities.The forwards (center and wingers) are attacking positions and have a goal of shooting on the other team’s goal. The defensem*n help the goalie by preventing players on the other team from entering the defensive zone. The goalie is the last line of defense for stopping goals from going into the net.
Goalie
The goalie’s job is to block the puck from entering the net for a goal. The goalie stands in the four-foot by six-foot goalie crease on their team’s side of the ice. They are the only position on the ice with different equipment regulations, and nearly every piece is unique from those worn by forwards and defensem*n. Goalies are also the only player that is allowed to hold the puck in their glove.
Forwards
Forwards in hockey are a group of players consisting of the center and wingers. Forwards are responsible for scoring goals and being aggressive with the puck in the attacking zone.The category of forwards is composed of centers, right wingers, and left wingers, each of which occupies a different position on the ice and has unique roles.
Center
Centers are responsible for taking face-offs at the various face-off circles around the ice and helping to patrol the defensive zone.A center’s role is often as the best defensive forward on the line. As they are responsible for assisting the forwards in the offensive zone and defensem*n in the defensive zone, centers must have incredible endurance, and be something of a “jack-of-all-trades” on the rink.
Right Winger
A right winger’s role during face-offs is to line up on the right side of the center. A right winger is responsible for patrolling the right side of the ice in the defensive zone and keeping an eye on the opposing team’s left defender. Right wingers will typically be right-handed, as they will be on their forehand when traveling down the ice on the right side. However, some right wingers are left-handed, which gives the unique advantage of being able to easily one-time a shot when entering the offensive zone.
Left Winger
A left winger is responsible for patrolling the left side of the ice in the defensive zone and matching the opposing team’s right defenseman.The left winger, much like right wingers, will usually be left-handed, but can also be right-handed if the team’s strategy favors one-timers entering the offensive zone.
Defensem*n
Defensem*n in ice hockey are responsible for preventing the other team from creating scoring opportunities in the defensive zone. They also play a crucial role in the offensive zone, which is to keep the puck inside the blue line and getshots on net. The two types of defensem*n are right defensem*n and left defensem*n.
Right Defenseman
A right defenseman has the job of preventing the left winger on the other team from scoring.Right defensem*n are positioned behind the right winger. In the defensive zone, the right defenseman will be responsible for fighting for the puck in the right corner and in front of the net. While it is rare for a defenseman to score, they are responsible for keeping the puck on the right side of the offensive zone and getting shots on net.
Left Defenseman
The role of the left defenseman is to patrol the left side of the ice and serve as the last line of defense from the other team scoring a goal.Much like the right defenseman, the left defenseman is responsible for clearing pucks out of the left corner and in front of the net in the defensive zone. Similarly to the right defenseman, the left defenseman in the offensive zone will attempt to keep the puck in by patrolling the left side below the blue line, as well as getting shots on net.
Team Captains
There are two team captains on a hockey team: the captain and the alternate captain.The captain wears the letter “C” on their jersey. The alternate captain wears the letter “A” on their jersey. The team captain is responsible for discussing calls with the referee if there is a disagreement.
Any position can be a team captain in ice hockey, except for the goalie. If the captain is in the penalty box, unable to play, or not on the ice, the alternate captain is in charge. Teams can have two or three alternate captains if the captain is not in the game.
FAQ
What are the positions in ice hockey?
There are six different positions in hockey: left wing, right wing, center, left defenseman, right defenseman, and goalie.Left wings, right wings, and centers are all considered forwards, while left and right defensem*n are considered the defense.
What does each position in ice hockey do?
The goalie blocks shots on goal and defends against scores.The center takes face-offs and is responsible for assisting the defenseman in the lower half of the defensive zone. The wingers help the center to make goals. The defensem*n are the last line of defense in their team’s defensive zone; they attempt to prevent shots on their team's goal.
Can players rest or get substituted in hockey?
Substitutions in hockey are called line changes.Throughout a hockey game, players go to the bench and another set of players take their place on the ice. Line changes can happen at any time in a game, during both stoppages of play and on-the-fly.
Which position is the best to play in ice hockey?
All positions in hockey are worth exploring and trying out.As a center, you get to take face-offs and help out your defensem*n in the defensive zone. As a winger, you’ll have the chance to score a lot of goals and create scoring opportunities in the offensive zone. If you choose to play defenseman, you’ll be making lots of passes and blocking shots on goal, as well as assisting your forwards in the offensive zone. Finally, as a goalie, you’ll have all the pressure to stop shots by opposing players.
How many players are on a hockey team?
A hockey team has 20 players dressed for a game.This lineup usually consists of 12 forwards, six defenders, and two goalies.It’s important to have substitutes because players fatigue quickly and typically only stay on the ice for about 45 seconds at a time. Typically, forwards are broken up into four groups that will go on the ice at the same time, called “lines.” Lines usually consist of three forwards (a left wing, right wing, and center) that have good chemistry with one another. The six defenders are broken up into three pairs, with each containing a left and right defenseman.
