AAA HockeyThe highest level of youth competitive hockey below junior leagues. AAA (Triple-A) teams draw from a wide geographic area and compete in elite tournaments.ADM (American Development Model)USA Hockey's long-term athlete development framework emphasizing age-appropriate training, cross-ice play for young players, and skill development over winning.Angle PlayA goaltending technique of moving out from the goal line to reduce the shooter's visible net. Proper angle and depth cut down scoring chances.AppleSlang for an assist.AssistA pass or play that directly leads to a goal. Up to two assists can be awarded per goal.Attacking ZoneThe area between the opponent's blue line and goal line. Also called the offensive zone.BackcheckWhen a forward skates back toward their own zone to defend against an opposing rush.BackhandA shot or pass made from the back side of the stick blade.BantamA youth hockey age classification for players aged 13-14. In USA Hockey's updated structure, this is part of the 14U division.Bar DownA shot that hits the crossbar and deflects down into the net.Battle StanceA goaltender's ready position — knees bent, glove and blocker up, weight on the balls of the feet, stick on the ice. The foundation of all goaltending movement.BeautySlang for an impressive goal or play. Also used to describe a well-liked teammate.Bench MinorA two-minute penalty assessed to a team rather than an individual player, typically for too many men on the ice.Between the PipesRefers to the goaltender's position in the net, between the two goal posts (pipes).BiscuitSlang for the puck.Blade CurveThe curvature of a hockey stick blade, affecting shot accuracy, puck control, and lift. Common patterns include mid-curve, toe-curve, and heel-curve.Blade LieThe angle between the shaft and the blade of a hockey stick. A lower lie suits players who skate upright; a higher lie suits players who skate bent over.Blade ProfileThe curvature of the bottom of a skate blade from front to back. A flatter profile provides more stability and glide; a more rockered profile allows quicker turns.BlockerThe rectangular pad worn on the goaltender's stick hand, used to deflect shots.Blue LineOne of two lines that divide the rink into three zones. Determines offsides.BoardingA penalty called when a player pushes, trips, or checks an opponent violently into the boards.Boarding SignalThe referee strikes their closed fist into their open palm to indicate a boarding penalty.BoardsThe wall surrounding the ice surface, typically 40-48 inches high.Body CheckUsing the hip or body to hit an opposing player who has the puck or was the last to touch it.BoxSlang for the penalty box. Also refers to a defensive formation (box PK) used on the penalty kill.BreakawayWhen a player with the puck has no defenders between themselves and the opposing goaltender.BreakoutThe organized play used to move the puck out of a team's defensive zone.ButterflyA goaltending technique where the goalie drops to their knees with pads flared outward to cover the bottom of the net.C-CutA goaltending skating technique where the goalie pushes off in a C-shaped arc to move laterally across the crease while maintaining their stance.CellySlang for a goal celebration.CenterThe forward position responsible for faceoffs and playing the middle of the ice in all three zones.Center IceThe middle of the rink, marked by the red line and the center faceoff circle.Champions Hockey LeagueAn annual European club hockey competition featuring top teams from multiple European leagues. Similar to soccer's Champions League.Change on the FlySubstituting players during live play without stopping the game.ChargingA penalty called when a player takes more than two strides or jumps before delivering a body check.Charging SignalThe referee rotates their clenched fists in front of their chest to indicate a charging penalty.Checking AgeThe age at which body checking is introduced in youth hockey. In USA Hockey, body checking begins at the Bantam level (14U).Cherry PickingWhen a player loiters near the opposing net instead of playing defense, hoping for an easy goal.Chip and ChaseDumping the puck into the offensive zone and skating after it to recover possession.ClapperSlang for a slap shot.Clearing the PuckShooting or passing the puck out of the defensive zone or away from the net to relieve pressure.Coast to CoastWhen a player carries the puck from one end of the ice to the other.Controlled EntryCarrying or passing the puck across the blue line into the offensive zone, as opposed to dumping it in. Analytics show controlled entries generate more scoring chances.CorsiAn advanced hockey statistic that counts all shot attempts (goals, shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots) to measure puck possession. Named after former NHL goalie coach Jim Corsi.CreaseThe blue semicircle in front of the goal. The goaltender's protected area.Cross-CheckingA penalty called when a player uses the shaft of their stick, with both hands, to check an opponent.Cross-Checking SignalThe referee extends both fists forward in a pushing motion to indicate a cross-checking penalty.CrossbarThe horizontal bar at the top of the goal frame connecting the two posts.CrossoverA skating technique where one foot crosses over the other for quick lateral movement and acceleration on turns.CyclingAn offensive strategy where forwards pass and move the puck along the boards in the offensive zone to create scoring opportunities.DangleA skilled stickhandling move used to deke past a defender.DefensemanA player whose primary role is preventing the opposing team from scoring. Two defensemen typically play per shift.Defensive ZoneThe area between a team's own goal line and their nearest blue line.DeflectionRedirecting a shot or pass with the stick, body, or skate to change its direction, often toward the goal.DekeA fake or feint intended to deceive a defender or goaltender.Delay of GameA penalty called for intentionally causing a stoppage of play, such as shooting the puck over the glass from the defensive zone.Delayed Penalty SignalThe referee raises one arm above their head without blowing the whistle. Play continues until the offending team touches the puck.Depth and AngleThe two key components of goaltender positioning. Depth refers to how far out from the goal line the goalie plays; angle refers to aligning the body with the puck.Dressing RoomThe locker room where players gear up before and between periods.Drop PassLeaving the puck for a trailing teammate by skating past it.Dump and ChaseAn offensive strategy where the puck is shot into the attacking zone and players skate in to retrieve it.DustupA brief skirmish or scuffle between players that doesn't escalate to a full fight.ElbowingA penalty called when a player uses their elbow to hit an opponent.Elbowing SignalThe referee taps their elbow with their opposite hand to indicate an elbowing penalty.EmbellishmentWhen a player exaggerates the effect of an opponent's action to draw a penalty call. Also known as diving. Can result in a minor penalty.Empty NetWhen a team pulls their goaltender for an extra skater, leaving the goal unguarded.EnforcerA player whose role includes physical play and fighting to protect teammates and deter opponents.Even StrengthWhen both teams have the same number of skaters on the ice (typically 5-on-5).Expected Goals Above Replacement (xGAR)An analytics metric estimating a player's total contribution by combining offensive, defensive, and goaltending value compared to a replacement-level player.Extra AttackerAn additional skater replacing the goaltender, usually used when trailing late in a game.FaceoffThe method of starting or restarting play. The referee drops the puck between two opposing players.Fan on a ShotTo miss the puck completely when attempting a shot.FeedA pass that sets up a scoring chance, typically to a player in a prime shooting position.FenwickAn advanced statistic similar to Corsi but excluding blocked shots. Counts goals, shots on goal, and missed shots. Named after blogger Matt Fenwick.Five HoleThe space between a goaltender's legs.Flat-FootedCaught standing still, unable to react quickly to a play. A major defensive mistake.Flex RatingA number indicating how stiff a hockey stick is. Lower flex bends more easily; higher flex is stiffer. A common guideline is to use a flex roughly half your body weight.FloaterA player who doesn't commit to defensive responsibilities, drifting around the neutral or offensive zone.FlowSlang for long hair that flows out the back of a helmet. A hockey culture staple.ForecheckPressuring the opposing team in their defensive zone to force turnovers and regain possession.Forechecking SystemThe organized strategy a team uses to pressure the puck in the offensive zone. Common systems include 1-2-2, 2-1-2, and aggressive 2-3 forechecks.Freezing the PuckWhen a goaltender covers the puck to stop play, or when the puck gets trapped against the boards.Game MisconductA penalty resulting in ejection from the game. The team does not play shorthanded.Game ScoreA single-number summary statistic that combines goals, assists, shot attempts, penalty differential, and other factors to evaluate a player's overall game performance.Gap ControlA defenseman's ability to maintain proper distance from an oncoming attacker to limit time and space.Garbage GoalA goal scored in an ugly or opportunistic way, such as from a scramble in front of the net.Glove SideThe side of the goaltender where they hold the catching glove.Goal LineThe red line at each end of the rink on which the goals sit. The puck must completely cross this line to count as a goal.Goal SignalThe referee points directly at the net with one arm extended. The goal judge activates the red light behind the net.GoonA player known primarily for fighting and physical intimidation rather than skill.Gordie Howe Hat TrickWhen a player records a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game.GrinderA player who works hard every shift, wins board battles, and provides energy through physical play.GSVA (Game Score Value Added)An analytics model that translates Game Score into an estimated wins-above-replacement value. Used to evaluate player contracts and roster decisions.Hand PassWhen a player bats the puck to a teammate with their hand. Legal in the defensive zone, illegal in the neutral and offensive zones.Hash MarksThe straight lines on either side of the faceoff circles that indicate where players must stand during a faceoff.Hat TrickWhen a player scores three goals in a single game. Fans traditionally throw hats on the ice.Head-Man the PuckPassing the puck ahead to a teammate further up ice to create a rush opportunity.High Danger Scoring ChanceA shot attempt from the most dangerous area of the ice, typically the inner slot. Used in analytics to measure offensive quality.High-StickingA penalty called when a player makes contact with an opponent above the shoulders with their stick.High-Sticking SignalThe referee holds both fists stacked above their head to indicate a high-sticking penalty.Hip CheckA body check delivered by dropping the hips and making contact with the hip or upper thigh.HoldingA penalty called when a player grabs and holds an opponent or their equipment.Holding SignalThe referee grasps their wrist with their other hand in front of their chest to indicate holding.Hollow GrindThe concave shape ground into the bottom of a skate blade. A deeper hollow (e.g., 3/8") provides more bite; a shallower hollow (e.g., 5/8") provides more glide.HookingA penalty called when a player uses the blade of their stick to impede an opponent's progress.Hooking SignalThe referee makes a tugging motion with both arms, as if pulling something toward them.House LeagueRecreational hockey organized within a single association. All players are drafted onto teams for balanced competition. Lower commitment and cost than travel hockey.IcingAn infraction called when a player shoots the puck from behind center ice past the opposing goal line without it being touched. Results in a defensive zone faceoff.Icing SignalThe linesman extends their arm above their head with an open palm. If confirmed, they bring the arm down and point to the faceoff dot.IIHFInternational Ice Hockey Federation. The governing body for international hockey, overseeing World Championships, Olympic hockey, and global rule standards.InstigatorA penalty assessed to a player who clearly starts a fight. Carries an additional two-minute minor.InterferenceA penalty called when a player impedes the movement of an opponent who does not have the puck.Interference SignalThe referee crosses their arms in front of their chest to indicate interference.IntermissionThe break between periods, typically 15-18 minutes. The ice is resurfaced during this time.JockProtective cup worn by players. Also called an athletic supporter.Keep Your Head UpFundamental advice to skate with your eyes on the ice, not on the puck, to avoid hits and read the play.KHLKontinental Hockey League. The top professional hockey league in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe. The second most prestigious league in the world after the NHL.Kick PointThe area of a hockey stick shaft that flexes the most during a shot. A low kick point loads energy near the blade for quick releases; a mid or high kick point generates more power.Kicking MotionUsing the foot to deliberately direct the puck into the net. Goals scored with a distinct kicking motion are disallowed.KneeingA penalty called when a player uses their knee to make contact with an opponent.Kneeing SignalThe referee taps their knee with their hand to indicate a kneeing penalty.Left Wing LockA defensive system where the left wing drops back to form a wall of five across the neutral zone.Light the LampTo score a goal. Refers to the red goal light that illuminates behind the net.LiigaThe top professional hockey league in Finland. Known for developing skilled players with strong two-way games.LineA group of forwards (center, left wing, right wing) who play together as a unit. Teams typically dress four lines.Line ChangeWhen a group of players on the ice is replaced by fresh players from the bench.LinesmanAn official responsible for calling offsides, icing, and conducting faceoffs.Loose PuckA puck not controlled by any player. Winning loose puck battles is a key indicator of compete level.Man AdvantageAnother term for a power play — when a team has more skaters on the ice due to an opponent's penalty.Man in the MiddleThe center, who typically takes faceoffs and plays in the middle lane.Match PenaltyThe most severe penalty in hockey. The player is ejected and the team plays shorthanded for five minutes.MidgetA traditional youth hockey age classification for players aged 15-17. USA Hockey has renamed this to 16U and 18U.Minor PenaltyA two-minute penalty for infractions like tripping, hooking, or holding.Miracle on IceThe 1980 Olympic hockey game where the underdog US team defeated the dominant Soviet Union 4-3 in Lake Placid. Considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.MisconductA ten-minute penalty, usually for unsportsmanlike behavior. The team does not play shorthanded.Misconduct SignalThe referee places both hands on their hips to indicate a misconduct penalty.MiteThe youngest organized youth hockey age group, for players aged 7-8 (8U). Games are typically played cross-ice.MuffinSlang for a weak, slow shot that should be easy for the goaltender to save.Natural Hat TrickThree consecutive goals scored by the same player without any other player scoring in between.Net Front PresenceA forward who positions themselves in front of the opposing goaltender to screen, deflect shots, and collect rebounds.Neutral ZoneThe area between the two blue lines, also called center ice.Neutral Zone TrapA defensive strategy designed to clog the neutral zone and prevent clean zone entries.No Goal SignalThe referee waves both arms in a washing motion (wash out) to indicate the goal does not count.Odd Man RushAn attacking rush where the offense outnumbers the defense (2-on-1, 3-on-2, etc.).OffsidesAn infraction called when an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck crosses the blue line.Offsides SignalThe linesman raises their arm and blows the whistle, then points to the blue line where the infraction occurred.One-TimerShooting the puck directly off a pass without stopping it first.Open Ice HitA body check delivered in open ice, often one of the most dramatic plays in hockey.Original SixThe six NHL teams that made up the league from 1942 to 1967: Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers.OverloadAn offensive formation where three or more players are positioned on one side of the ice to create numerical advantages.OvertimeAn extra period when the score is tied after regulation. NHL regular season uses 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime followed by a shootout.Paddle DownA goaltending technique where the goalie drops their stick flat on the ice along the goal line to cover the low portion of the net on plays from behind the goal.PDOAn analytics metric calculated by adding a team's on-ice shooting percentage and save percentage. A PDO of 1000 is average; extreme values tend to regress.PeeweeA youth hockey age classification for players aged 11-12 (12U).Penalty BoxThe enclosed area off the ice where a penalized player serves their penalty time. Also called the sin bin.Penalty Kill (PK)The shorthanded unit and strategy used when a team has a player in the penalty box.Penalty ShotA free shot awarded when a player on a clear breakaway is fouled from behind.Penalty Shot SignalThe referee points to center ice with one arm to indicate a penalty shot has been awarded.PeriodOne of three 20-minute segments that make up a regulation hockey game.PickIllegally blocking or interfering with a defender to free up a teammate. Results in an interference penalty.PinchWhen a defenseman moves up from the blue line into the offensive zone to keep the puck in or make a play.PipeA goal post. 'Hitting the pipe' means hitting the post instead of scoring.PlaymakerA player known for creating scoring chances for teammates through vision, passing, and hockey sense.PointThe area just inside the blue line in the offensive zone, typically occupied by defensemen. Also a scoring stat.Poke CheckUsing the stick to poke the puck away from an opponent. Used by both skaters and goaltenders.Post IntegrationA goaltending technique for sealing the post. The goalie uses their pad, blocker, or body to eliminate gaps against the goal post.Power ForwardA forward who combines size, physical play, and scoring ability.Power Play (PP)When a team has a numerical advantage due to an opposing player serving a penalty.Puck SupportPositioning oneself as a passing option for the puck carrier. Good puck support means teammates provide multiple outlets.Pulling the GoalieRemoving the goaltender for an extra skater, typically when trailing late in a game.PWHLProfessional Women's Hockey League. Founded in 2023, it is the premier women's professional hockey league in North America.Quality of Competition (QoC)An analytics metric measuring the caliber of opponents a player faces. Higher QoC means tougher matchups.Quality of Teammates (QoT)An analytics metric measuring the caliber of teammates a player shares ice time with.Quality StartA goaltending metric where the goalie posts a save percentage above the league average for that game.RAPM (Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus)An advanced analytics model that isolates a player's individual impact on goals scored and allowed, controlling for teammates, opponents, and other factors.ReboundA puck that bounces off the goaltender or boards after a shot, creating a second scoring chance.Red LineThe line at center ice that divides the rink in half. Used for icing calls.RefereeThe official responsible for calling penalties, awarding goals, and managing the game. Wears orange or red armbands.Relative Corsi (Corsi Rel)A player's Corsi percentage compared to their team's Corsi when that player is off the ice.RelegationA system used in some European hockey leagues where the worst-performing teams drop to a lower division and are replaced by promoted teams. Not used in the NHL.RimTo shoot the puck along the boards around the perimeter of the rink.RocketSlang for a very hard, fast shot.RoofTo shoot the puck into the top of the net, just under the crossbar.RoughingA penalty for punching or excessive physical play that doesn't rise to the level of fighting.Roughing SignalThe referee makes a punching motion with one fist extended to indicate roughing.RoverA now-extinct hockey position from the early days of the sport. The rover played both offense and defense freely, before the modern six-player format was standardized.RVH (Reverse Vertical Horizontal)A modern goaltending technique with one pad sealed against the post and the other leg extended. Used on plays from below the goal line.Saucer PassA pass that is lifted off the ice to clear an opponent's stick, landing flat on a teammate's blade.Scoring ChanceA shot attempt from a dangerous area of the ice. Used in analytics to measure offensive quality beyond raw shot totals.ScreenBlocking the goaltender's view of the puck by standing in front of them.ShiftThe time a player spends on the ice between line changes, typically 30-60 seconds.ShinnyInformal, pickup hockey played without referees or formal rules.SHLSwedish Hockey League. The top professional hockey league in Sweden, known for developing technically skilled players.ShootoutA tiebreaker after overtime where players take penalty shots alternately.ShorthandedPlaying with fewer skaters than the opposition due to a penalty.Shot SuppressionAn analytics concept measuring a team's or player's ability to limit opposing shot attempts. A key defensive metric.ShowcaseA hockey tournament or event designed primarily for player evaluation by scouts, college recruiters, and junior team staff.ShuffleA goaltending lateral movement where the goalie slides sideways without crossing their feet. Maintains stance and positioning.Sin BinSlang for the penalty box.Slap ShotA powerful shot where the player winds up and strikes the ice just behind the puck, using stick flex to generate speed.SlashingA penalty called when a player swings their stick at an opponent.Slashing SignalThe referee makes a chopping motion with one hand striking the opposite forearm to indicate slashing.SlotThe high-danger scoring area directly in front of the net, between the faceoff circles.Snap ShotA quick-release shot combining elements of the wrist shot and slap shot.SnipeA perfectly placed shot, usually to a top corner of the net.SpearingA penalty called when a player jabs an opponent with the point of their stick blade.Spring HockeyHockey played outside the regular season (typically March-June). Often used for player development, tryout preparation, and additional ice time.SquirtA youth hockey age classification for players aged 9-10 (10U).Stick SideThe side of the goaltender where they hold the blocker/stick.StickhandlingControlling and maneuvering the puck with the stick while skating.StoneWhen a goaltender makes a spectacular save.Summit SeriesThe legendary 1972 series between Canada and the Soviet Union. Paul Henderson's winning goal in Game 8 is one of hockey's most iconic moments.Sweep CheckA defensive move where a player drops to one knee and sweeps their stick along the ice to knock the puck away.T-PushA goaltending movement where the goalie pushes off one skate while the other glides, forming a T shape. Used for longer lateral movements.Tape to TapeA pass that goes directly from one player's stick tape to another's — a clean, accurate pass.TendySlang for goaltender.Tier I / Tier II / Tier IIIClassification levels in youth and junior hockey. Tier I is the highest level of competition, Tier III the lowest. Each tier has different rules on player recruitment, costs, and competitive standards.TillySlang for a fight.Toe DragA stickhandling move where the player pulls the puck laterally using the toe of the stick blade.Too Many MenA bench minor penalty called when a team has more than the allowed number of players on the ice.Top CheeseSlang for a shot that goes into the top of the net.Top ShelfThe upper part of the goal, above the goaltender's shoulders.Transition GameA team's ability to quickly shift from defense to offense. Strong transition creates odd-man rushes.TrappingA defensive strategy focused on clogging the neutral zone to prevent clean zone entries.Travel HockeyCompetitive youth hockey where teams travel to play against teams from other associations and regions. Higher commitment and cost than house league.TrippingA penalty called when a player uses their stick, knee, foot, or hand to cause an opponent to fall.Tripping SignalThe referee strikes their leg below the knee with one hand to indicate tripping.TurnoverLosing possession of the puck to the opposing team through a bad pass, failed clear, or stolen puck.TwigSlang for a hockey stick.Two-Line PassA pass that crosses two lines. Historically a violation, the rule was eliminated after the 2004-05 lockout to increase speed.UmbrellaA power play formation with three players spread across the top and two low near the net.UndercutWhen a goaltender's stick or pad lifts the puck over instead of stopping it cleanly.Unsportsmanlike Conduct SignalThe referee uses both hands to form a T shape to indicate unsportsmanlike conduct.VH (Vertical Horizontal)A goaltending technique where one pad is flat on the ice sealing the post while the other leg remains vertical.Video ReviewThe process of reviewing game footage to determine if a goal should count.VisorThe clear shield attached to a helmet to protect the player's eyes.WaffleOld-school slang for the goaltender's blocker.WAR (Wins Above Replacement)An advanced analytics metric estimating how many additional wins a player contributes compared to a replacement-level player.Wash OutWhen a referee waves off a goal or an icing call by sweeping both arms outward.Weak SideThe side of the ice away from where the puck is currently located. Defensively, weak-side coverage prevents cross-ice passes.WheelSlang for skating fast.World JuniorsThe IIHF World Junior Championship. An annual under-20 tournament featuring the best young players from each country. A showcase for future NHL talent.WraparoundAn attempt to score by skating behind the net and stuffing the puck around the post.Wrist ShotA shot generated by snapping the wrists to propel the puck forward. The most accurate shot in hockey.xG (Expected Goals)An advanced analytics metric that assigns a probability to each shot based on distance, angle, shot type, and game situation.Yard SaleWhen a player gets hit so hard their equipment scatters across the ice.ZamboniThe ice resurfacing machine used to smooth and clean the ice between periods. A trademark name that has become generic.Zone EntryThe method a team uses to bring the puck into the offensive zone — either carrying or dumping.Zone ExitsAn analytics metric tracking how a team moves the puck out of its defensive zone. Controlled exits correlate with better offensive results.Zone StartsThe percentage of a player's shifts that begin in the offensive, defensive, or neutral zone. Provides context for possession stats.Zone TimeThe amount of time a team spends with the puck in the offensive zone. A key possession metric.