GRASSROOTS - ABC'S OF HOCKEY (PLAYER)

Assist.  A pass of the puck that leads directly to a teammate scoring a goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal.

Blue line. Lines on either side of the red line that divide the rink into zones. These lines govern the offside rule and define the offensive, defensive, and neutral zones.

Crease. The area right in front of the goal where the goaltender is not to be interfered with, or a penalty will be called.

Defenseman. These are the two players whose main job is defense; they help keep the puck out of your net and get the puck to the forwards. Backward skating is key to playing this position.

Even Strength. When both teams have the same number of players on the ice at the same time.

Forwards. Referred to as a group. This group  

Goaltender. The Hockey Player who stands in front of the goal, whose job is to prevent the other team from scoring. The goalie wears extra pads and a mask, as high-speed shots are aimed at him during the game.

Hat Trick. When a player scores three goals in a single game.

Ice. What the game of ice hockey is played on. 

Jersey. What you put on that represents your team. They often have a team logo on the front and a number on the back.

King of the Hill. A fun game that can be played with all ages of players. Group of players stay within a certain area and try to knock the puck of each other stick while maintaining control of their own. Ask your coaches to play it.

Line-mates. These are often described as the players on your team that are on the ice as the same time as you.

Minor Penalty. There are numerous minor penalties that the referee may call during a game of hockey. These result in the penalized player sitting in the box for 2 minutes or less.

Neutral Zone. Often referred to as the zone between both blue lines.

Off-Side. This happens when a player without the puck goes over the offensive blue before the player that is carrying the puck.

Penalty Box. The area in the rink where you sit to serve your penalty.

Quick Whistle. A stoppage in play that occasionally occurs when an on-ice official view of the puck is obstructed while the puck is still moving or playable, but the official stops the play with a whistle.

Red Line. The line that splits the rink in half. It is used to judge icing calls.

Saucer Pass. An airborne pass from one player to another. It is called a saucer pass because it resembles a flying saucer in midair.

Toe drag. Dragging the puck along the ice with the end (toe) of the stick blade on the ice as opposed to pushing the bottom edge.

Under 7. The age classification under the direction of the Saskatchewan Hockey Association and Hockey Canada where the focus is developing players skills. All games at this age are played Cross-Ice.

Volunteer. All the people that are involved in helping your team. This would include your coaches, trainers, and managers. Go and thank them all. They deserve it.

Wrist shot. A quick, accurate shot made by snapping the wrists as the puck hits the blade of the stick.

X-Factor. A player on a team that can be the difference from winning or losing. 

Yard sale. Often referred to when a player gets knocked to the ice and loses pieces of his equipment.

Zamboni. The large machine that cleans the surface of the hockey rink.