The Ice Rink – 3 Zones Offensive Zone Neutral Zone Defensive Zone

y Defense (Defensive Zone) C The key to the 2 defender's success is balance; 1st D is on the puck carrier on their side 2nd D in front of the net, looking around While the play is near the boards, the D in front should be watching out for; Players that setup in the crease Players trying to sneak in “slot" Communication Defenders should be talking to each other when ever possible; letting the other know "I got the puck" or "watch the slot / front of the net“. Goalies should be talking too! Do not chase the puck up the wall to the blue line; let your WINGERS do their job. C W D Defensive Zone D y C D

y Wings (Defensive Zone) The Center has the most area to cover.  Usually they can match up with the other Center and stay "man to man" with them where ever they go.  If the center takes the puck behind the net and the defensive center does not apply pressure, then the defender will apply pressure and the center will guard the middle. When the puck is in the middle of the ice, the center can assist the defensive player putting pressure on the puck but needs to keep in mind where the offensive center is. Do not just chase after the puck.  This will cause players to get confused on who they need to guard C W D Defensive Zone X W y C X W

y Center (Defensive Zone) C Offensive Responsibilities W covers the most amount of ice (and usually does the most skating) keep your feet moving and always be skating Support your the puck carrier with options; get close for a pass to breakout win face-offs, cause trouble in front of the other teams net, setup wingers make passes, help out your wingers, lead break-outs and back check. Defensive Responsibilities “support man” - helping out the other positions when they are in trouble If your defenseman is outnumbered along the boards; go and help him out stop players and pucks in front of your own net C W D Defensive Zone y C

C Defense (Offensive Zone) W D Offensive Zone D RW C y LW D

y Center (Offensive Zone) C The key to the 2 defender's success is balance; If one is on the left side, the other should be on the right. If one is in the corner/behind the net, the other one should be in front. While the play is near the boards, the offside defender should be watching out for; Players that setup in the crease Players trying to sneak in “slot" Communication Defenders should be talking when ever possible letting the other know "I got the puck" or "watch the slot“ Do not chase the puck up the wall to the blue line; let your wingers do their job. W D Offensive Zone RW D C y D LW

y Wings (Offensive Zone) C The key to the 2 defender's success is balance; If one is on the left side, the other should be on the right. If one is in the corner/behind the net, the other one should be in front. While the play is near the boards, the offside defender should be watching out for; Players that setup in the crease Players trying to sneak in “slot" Communication Defenders should be talking when ever possible letting the other know "I got the puck" or "watch the slot“ Do not chase the puck up the wall to the blue line; let your wingers do their job. W D Offensive Zone D RW C y D LW

y Offensive “Triangle” C Three forwards form a triangle in the offensive zone. Puck or “strong” side wing or the first forward in the zone attacks the puck 2nd skater backs up the wing, cutting of passing lanes and supports the wing The third forward (wing) goes to the front of the net “the slot” In this case, the LEFT WING attacks the puck (the inner area in the corner), looking to make a pass. The CENTER supports the winger by staying away from the puck (until it springs loose), skating in the support area. The RIGHT WING is positioned in the slot, needs to keep moving – getting in front of defensemen ready for a pass when we gain control of the puck. C W D Offensive Zone y X2 D RW X5 X3 X1 C LW D X4

Offside When a player crosses the BLUE LINE into the offensive zone before the puck. It will result in a whistle and a face off in the neutral zone. C RW LW C RW IMPORTANT: If the puck comes out, everyone (offense) has to get out. The puck must go over the blue line first.

Hockey 101 – Common Terms Strong-side (Puck-side) – this is the side of the ice or boards where the puck is. Ice the puck – this is when you are short-handed and once you get the puck in your defensive zone; dump or ice the puck so the other team has less time to score

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