Ice Hockey Offense Tips and Tricks.

In ice hockey the offense's major job is to score goals. Their secondary job is to prevent goals. All forwards must work together to achieve their main and secondary objectives. Working together means communicating with each other and getting to know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. There are three forwards on the offensive line, a left winger, center, and a right winger. This allows for three lanes giving them what is called the triangle formation. The triangle formation allows them to pass the puck among themselves to get the goalie to move from one side to the other which will create an opening for a scoring opportunity.

The centers job is to score goals and help his/her wingers when they get tied up. The center is a forward whose other primary job is to play the middle of the ice, but they are also expected to cover more ice than any other player. They are typically the fastest skater on the team. In the offensive zone the center usually positions them in front or behind the net. If the defense or a high wing has the puck in a scoring position the center wants to be in front of the net trying to distract the goalie so the their teammates can score. They also have the opportunity to tip the puck in or be there for a rebound. Centers just need to remember to stay out of the crease unless the puck goes in first otherwise this result in a penalty. In the offense zone the center also has to go behind the net when his/her winger is tied up along the boards. This gives the winger a chance to pass the puck to the center. In the defense zone the center should be in front of the net or behind. They are to play deep and are also expected to help the defense along the boards to get the puck out of their zone. When he plays in front of the net in the defense zone his/her job is to keep the puck out of the net. In face-offs the center is the one who always takes the face off. He/she should always try to get the puck to their defense player. Then he/she should tie up the other center no matter if they win or lose the face-off so that they don't have a chance to join in the rush and create a scoring situation.

The winger’s job is to dig in the corners and feed the center and defense when down deep; they are also supposed to get goals. In the offensive zone the winger is to dig the puck out of the corners and position themselves in front of the net when the puck is not on their side so, they can distract the goalie. This puts them in the right position to tip it in and to get the rebound which is all scoring opportunity. Wingers just remember that you should never chase the puck in the other wingers side, that is the centers job and never go deep in the defense zone. On the defense zone the winger’s responsibility is to wait for a pass, intercept the puck, and attack the opposing defense man when they have the puck. Aggression is the key to being a winger. On defense the winger should post themselves high to receive the puck in order to take the puck in, dump it in the end zone, or pass it an open player. In the face-off the winger is to occupy the defense man that he is lined up with. If the puck is loose it is his job to get to the puck.

Just remember every position is a very important part of being a good team in kid’s sports and in my kid’s sports. Playing together makes for a well-oiled team and makes playing fun.