The Glossary of Ice Hockey Part I
People from countries with lots of snow understand what it is that they see in the header image of this article. However, they are not the only ones betting on this sport. Continuing the teaching sessions of our blog, this time we will present the terms that will help those that do not get the chance to see the sport in a nearby rink, also comprehend the action before making a selection to place their bets on the best Asian and European bookmakers..
Let’s separate in groups and take it from there.
The area of play
The schematic above shows you all the areas of a rink and their names. It also provides the dimensions of each section. While, more or less, the descriptions are self-explanatory, let’s expand on a couple of them that are not exactly spelled out on what they mean:
- Face-off
Football calls it a “free-kick”. Basketball calls it a “jump ball”. Ice hockey gave its own name to the method the sport uses to begin or resume play after an interruption. - Left and right defensemen
Two players undertake the responsibility of not allowing the attacking team to score by positioning themselves in a predetermined spot in front of the goal they are defending. - Left and right wings
The standard layout of an ice hockey team calls for three forwards. Two out of these three play on one side of the rink and remain there regardless of whether they play defense or offense. - Center
The term does not refer to the spot on the terrain. It refers to the third forward player that stands between the two wings. - A “crease”
These are areas where no player is allowed to be unless they are controlling the puck.
Since at this part we are discussing about the playing surface, it would be useful to know what a Zamboni is. It’s the machine (named after its inventor Frank Zamboni) that you see in all sports involving ice, being brought on either before the event or during a break, to smooth out the rink from the trails of the blades and lay a new sheet. Its function is most important in limiting accidents caused by tripping on a bumpy floor.
The goaltender
Otherwise known as goalkeeper or goalie. Special mention should be given to the player covering this port. Not only because they are the last line of defense before the opponents’ score.
The reference is made mostly because of the scary and quite futuristic attire that includes plenty of protective equipment and an appearance of an unpassable wall of bricks that makes it hard for the puck to end at the back of the net.
Play designations
Now, it’s time to talk about the terminology of the actions that you see:
- Checking denotes the use of a player’s body to gain an advantage over an opponent. When there’s actual physical contact then the term is body check.
- Clearing the puck means that the team on the defensive managed to send the puck away from the danger zone.
- Back check indicates the act of checking a player while skating backwards and towards own goal.
- Blind pass refers to a transfer of the puck to a teammate without the passer having direct eye line with the receiving player.
- Back pass is a lateral pass to a player behind the passer.
- Drop pass is a matter of great technique. A player running forward at top speed, stops the puck dead on the ice and leaves it so that another player can take over.
- Flip pass denotes a pass where the puck is slightly lifter off the ice.
- Pass out is the action of passing the puck from a player behind the goal line to a teammate in front of it.
- Freezing the puck is a result of blocking it against a board causing a stoppage of play and a consequent face-off.
- Slap shotdescribes the generation of power through a wide swing of the stick.
- Wrist shot on the other hand refers to a shot that’s taken quickly and with great accuracy.
The first part of our tutorial about the glossary of ice hockey is concluded here. In the follow up we will be discussing about the part that plays a crucial role in shaping the result of a match. The penalties and their consequences. You will need to know this important piece of information before you decide to open an account at the best betting software.