List of Positions for Hockey Players

A full ice hockey team consists of six players, although teams often have to play shorthanded when players are called for penalties. There are four primary positions on the ice --- goalie, defenseman, wing and center --- each with certain responsibilities and duties in the game. Three players serve primarily on defense, while two are primarily offensive players. The center serves both roles.

  1. Goalie

    • This position requires a sharp eye and quick reflexes because the goalie must guard the net, preventing the puck from entering it and the opposing team from scoring. The goalie is the only player on the ice to wear a full face mask, and also dons thick pads to protect his body. The goalie is occasionally pulled from the net late in games when the team is down, to add one more offensive player in an effort to catch up.

    Defensemen

    • These players position themselves on the left and right sides of the ice. Usually, at least one hovers near the net to provide support for the goalie and to clear the puck out of the scoring zone. The other one often waits at the corner to receive a pass and push it up to the offensive players.

    Wings

    • These players push the puck up the ice in an attempt to score. In professional hockey, the right wing is normally right handed and the left wing is usually left handed. Wing players are often physical, as they must dig the puck out of the corners in the scoring zone. The two wings usually space themselves apart so they can pass the puck to one another to look for an open shot.

    Center

    • The center plays closest to the center of the ice and is comparable to the quarterback in football, helping to direct his team. Centers must be good passers, as they usually take the puck from the defensive players and pass them on to the wings. The center often falls back on defense to help out there, and is also key to the offense by passing to set the puck up for a good shot in the scoring zone.