Hockey 101

By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 10, 2002

THE BASICS

BLUE LINES: They mark each team's zone on the ice. The area between the blue lines is the "neutral zone."

CIRCLE: There are five on the ice surface with one in the neutral zone and two at each end. All these circles have a dot in the middle where the puck is dropped and places where players have to put their skates.

DEFENSEMEN: Generally, the two of them seek to stop advancing players from the opposing team. An "offensive defenseman" also seeks to press the attack when he has the opportunity, while a "stay-at-home defenseman" is more likely to stay back to counter an opponent's attack.

FORWARDS: The center and left and right wings generally are the attacking players.

ICING: It is called when a player shoots the puck across the red center line and the opponent's goal line and one of the opposing players touches it first. It is not called when a team is at a one- or two-man disadvantage because of penalties.

OFFSIDE: It is called when a player crosses the blue line into his team's zone before the puck does.

TWO-LINE PASS: It is called when a pass from one player to another crosses two lines without touching another player.

COMMON TWO-MINUTE PENALTIES

BOARDING: Ramming an opponent into the boards from behind.

CROSS-CHECKING: Hitting an opponent with a stick held in both hands with arms extended.

HIGH-STICKING: Hitting an opponent with a stick held higher than his shoulders.

HOOKING: Using the stick to restrain an opponent.

SLASHING: Using the stick to whack an opponent.

TERMINOLOGY

CHECK: A player delivers a hit with his body to slow an opponent.

CREASE: It's the blue area in front of the goal.

FIVE-HOLE: Shooting the puck between the goalie's legs.

GOON: A tough guy.

HAT TRICK: Three goals in a game by one player. Traditionally, fans throw hats on the ice in response.

LINE CHANGE: Subbing a group of players, usually about every 45 seconds of game action.

ONE-TIMER: A shot directly off a pass, taken without stopping the puck first.

PENALTY KILL: When one team is on the power play, the other team is trying to get through the penalty time without the opponent scoring.

PENALTY SHOT: Awarded to a player who is impeded while skating alone toward the goalie with the puck. The player is allowed to go one-on-one with the goalie, often resulting in a goal.

PIPES: The side posts on the goal. Shots often hit the pipes or sometimes the crossbar at the top of the goal.

POWER PLAY: A one- or two-man advantage for one team as a result of a penalty.

STANDING ON HIS HEAD: A goalie having an outstanding game with several skillful saves.

SWEATER: A jersey.

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