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Last updated: Aug 11, 2023
The right wing in hockey is an offensive position in which players primarily stay to the right of the center in the offensive and defensive zones.Read on to learn more about the right wing position in hockey, including their roles, responsibilities, and notable NHL right wings.
Table of Contents
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Right Wing Skills
- Notable NHL Right Wings
- FAQ
Roles and Responsibilities
The right wing is a forward, so players in this position focus on helping score the puck into the net. The right wingers, just like the left wingers, are the primary players to score goals, so right wing players must train their shooting skills often to achieve accurate aim. While most right wings are right-handed, some will play the side of their off-hand for a better shooting angle.
Right wings are also responsible for helping the defensem*n and getting the puck out of their defensive zone and away from their net. Right wingers in the defensive zone will usually stay between the hash marks and the top of the circle to be close enough to a defender to retrieve the puck from them and far away enough to control the puck and advance it up the ice.
Hockey players in the right wing position must be flexible in their strategies. Turnovers happen constantly throughout a game, so right wings need to be able to change from offensive to defensive in a matter of seconds.
Right Wing Skills
Right wings, much like their counterparts on the left side of the ice, must be quick skaters and be able to react quickly to plays on the ice.Being able to quickly react to a developing play in the offensive zone is key to success as a winger. Being able to react quickly to a developing play in the defensive zone is just as crucial, as the right wing must cover passing and shooting lanes from the point. Being a strong skater is also crucial to success as a wing, as you are constantly breaking the puck out of your defensive end and up the ice with speed.
Notable NHL Right Wings
- Gordie Howe
- Jaromir Jagr
- Maurice Richard
- Mike Bossy
- Brett Hull
- Guy Lafleur
FAQ
What is the job of a right wing in hockey?
The primary job of the right wing position is to create offensive scoring chances and score goals.If an open shot is not available for the right winger, the right winger will pass to another player so their teammates can create scoring chances. Another job of the right winger is to be aggressive in the offensive zone corners and take back possession of the puck if it is possessed by the opponent.
What wing should I play in hockey?
Most often, wings will play on the side of their dominant hand. This means right-handed players will usually play left wing, and left-handed players will play left wing. This is because it will make it easier to break the puck out of the defensive zone and carry it up the boards. However, it is not uncommon to see a wing playing on the side of their off-hand. Playing the position of the player’s off-hand will help the offensive player have a better shooting angle.
