The Ultimate Hockey Slang & Hockey Terms Dictionary (A–Z)

Whether you're new to hockey or you've been playing for years, you'll hear words and phrases that don't make much sense at first. What does apple mean? Why do players yell wheel? What's the difference between bar down, top shelf, and cheese?

This A–Z hockey dictionary explains the most common hockey slang, hockey terms, and rink lingo with simple definitions, real examples, and related vocabulary. From beginner hockey terminology to locker room expressions used by players at every level, you'll quickly learn the language that makes hockey unique.

Browse hockey terms alphabetically, jump to a specific letter, or explore the glossary to discover hockey slang, rink lingo, and hockey vocabulary—from apple to zebra.

Most Popular Hockey Terms

Last updated: August 2026. New hockey terms are added regularly.

Apple | Bar Down | Beauty | Celly | Chirp | Deke | Five Hole | Flow | Gino | Mitts | Sauce | Shinny | Snipe | Toe Drag | Top Shelf | Wheel | Zamboni

Browse by Letter

Jump to a letter to find a hockey term fast.

A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M

N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z

A

Apple

Definition: Slang for an assist—the pass or play that helps set up a goal.

Example: "He finished the night with three apples."

Related: Assist • Helper

B

Backcheck

Definition: Skating hard back toward your own zone to pressure the puck carrier and help defend against an attack.

Example: "A strong backcheck prevented what looked like a sure scoring chance."

Related: Backchecker • Forecheck • Two-Way Forward

Backchecker

Definition: A player hustling back on defense to pressure the puck carrier and help prevent scoring chances.

Example: "A great backchecker can break up an odd-man rush before it starts."

Related: Backcheck • Forechecker • Two-Way Forward

Backdoor

Definition: The area on the far side of the net where a player sneaks behind the defense for an easy pass and scoring chance.

Example: "What a backdoor pass—he had an open net."

Related: One-Timer • Slot • Apple

Backhand

Definition: A shot or pass made using the back side of the stick blade rather than the forehand.

Example: "He slipped a backhand past the goalie from in tight."

Related: Forehand • Sauce • Deke

Bar Down

Definition: A shot that hits the underside of the crossbar and goes into the net.

Example: "He picked the top corner and went bar down."

Related: Top Shelf • Snipe • Cheese

Barn

Definition: A hockey rink or arena. For many players, "the barn" feels like a second home.

Example: "See you at the barn before warmups."

Related: Rink • Locker Room

Beauty

Definition: One of hockey's highest compliments. A player or person who does something impressive, selfless, or simply embodies hockey culture.

Example: "What a beauty. He stayed late to help the new guys."

Related: Stud • Beautician (playful) • Unreal

Bench Minor

Definition: A penalty assessed to the team rather than a specific player, often for infractions like too many players on the ice or unsportsmanlike conduct from the bench.

Example: "They were assessed a bench minor for too many men."

Related: Penalty Kill • Too Many Men • Ref

Bender

Definition: A player whose ankles bend inward while skating, usually because of weak skating technique or poorly supported skates. Often used as a playful insult.

Example: “Tie those skates tighter—you look like a bender.”

Related: Duster • Plug • Pylon

Blocker

Definition: The rectangular piece of equipment worn on a goalie's stick hand, used to deflect shots away from the net.

Example: "The goalie kicked the rebound safely into the corner with the blocker."

Related: Waffleboard • Glove Save • Tendy

Blue Line

Definition: One of the two blue lines that divide the ice into defensive, neutral, and offensive zones. It's central to offside calls and zone play.

Example: "Keep the puck inside the blue line."

Related: Offside • Neutral Zone • Point

Blueliner

Definition: A defenseman. The nickname comes from playing primarily along the blue line at both ends of the ice.

Example: "The veteran blueliner quarterbacked the power play all night."

Related: Defenseman • Blue Line • Point

Blue Paint

Definition: The blue goal crease directly in front of the net.

Example: "Stay out of the blue paint."

Related: Crease • Net-Front

Body Check

Definition: Legal physical contact used to separate an opponent from the puck, typically delivered with the shoulder or torso.

Example: "He finished the play with a clean body check along the boards."

Related: Open Ice Hit • Reverse Hit • Board Battle

Board Battle

Definition: A battle along the boards where players fight for possession of the puck using body position, leverage, and stick work.

Example: "He won the board battle and kept the play alive."

Related: Forecheck • Grinder • Cycle

Boarding

Definition: A penalty for violently checking an opponent into the boards in a dangerous manner.

Example: "He was given a major for boarding late in the third."

Related: Body Check • Cross-Check • Interference

Boards

Definition: The walls that surround the rink and keep the puck in play. Players often use the boards to bank passes, rim the puck, or pin opponents during puck battles.

Example: "He banked the puck off the boards to clear the zone."

Related: Board Battle • Rim • Glass

Boards Play

Definition: Using the boards intentionally to pass the puck, escape pressure, or advance the play to a teammate.

Example: "He used a smart boards play to spring the winger out of the zone."

Related: Boards • Rim • Breakout

Breakaway

Definition: A scoring chance where an attacking player skates in alone on the goalie with no defenders between them and the net.

Example: "He scored on a clean breakaway in overtime."

Related: Deke • Five Hole • Snipe

Breakout

Definition: The play a team uses to move the puck out of its defensive zone and transition into the attack.

Example: "A clean breakout led to an odd-man rush."

Related: Headman • Rush • Forecheck

Bucket

Definition: A hockey helmet.

Example: "Don't forget your bucket before we hit the ice."

Related: Cage • Visor • Tendy

Butter

Definition: Describes something exceptionally smooth or effortless, such as silky stickhandling, a crisp pass, or a perfect shot.

Example: "That backhand sauce was absolute butter."

Related: Sauce • Silky Mitts • Tape-to-Tape

Buzzer Beater

Definition: A goal scored just before the end of a period or the game, before the horn sounds.

Example: "They stole the momentum with a buzzer beater to end the second."

Related: Red Light • Gino

C

Cage

Definition: The full face mask attached to a hockey helmet, commonly worn in youth, high school, recreational, and amateur hockey.

Example: "Take a puck to the face once and you'll appreciate your cage."

Related: Bucket • Visor • Helmet

Captain Obvious

Definition: A playful chirp for someone who points out something everyone already knows.

Example: "Thanks, Captain Obvious—we noticed we were down by two."

Related: Chirp • Bench Chirps

Carom

Definition: A puck that rebounds or changes direction after hitting the boards, glass, net, or another object.

Example: “The puck took a strange carom off the end boards.”

Related: Rebound • Bad Bounce • Boards

Celly

Definition: Short for celebration. The way a player celebrates after scoring a goal.

Example: "That celly was almost better than the goal."

Related: Goal • Pigeon • Beautician

Center

Definition: The forward who lines up in the middle of the ice, takes most faceoffs, and is responsible for both offensive and defensive play.

Example: "Our center won three straight draws to end the game."

Related: Faceoff • Draw • Two-Way Forward

Chalk Talk

Definition: A coach explaining strategy before or during a game.

Example: "Coach had a quick chalk talk between periods."

Related: X's and O's

Change

Definition: Slang for a line change, when players quickly substitute on and off the ice during play.

Example: "Get a quick change—we've been out there too long."

Related: Line Change • Door • Bench

Checking Line

Definition: A line whose primary job is to shut down the opponent's best offensive players through strong defense, forechecking, and physical play.

Example: "Coach matched the checking line against their top scorers all night."

Related: Forecheck • Grinder • Two-Way Forward

Cheese

Definition: The upper corners of the net. Players "go cheese" when they shoot high.

Example: "He went cheese from the top of the circle."

Related: Top Shelf • Bar Down • Snipe

Cherry Picking

Definition: Staying near the opponent's blue line waiting for a breakaway instead of helping defensively.

Example: "Quit cherry picking and come back on defense."

Related: Breakaway • Floating

Chirp

Definition: Friendly (or not-so-friendly) trash talk between players, teammates, or opponents.

Example: "The benches were chirping each other all night."

Related: Bench Chirps • Trash Talk

Clap Bomb

Definition: Slang for an extremely hard slap shot, usually one that's blasted from the point or the top of the circle.

Example: "He unleashed a clap bomb that nearly broke the water bottle."

Related: Clapper • Howitzer • Rocket

Clapper

Definition: A hard slap shot.

Example: "He let a clapper fly from the blue line."

Related: Slapper • One-Timer

Clear the Zone

Definition: To successfully get the puck out of the defensive zone, relieving pressure and forcing the opposing team to regroup.

Example: "They finally cleared the zone after nearly a minute under pressure."

Related: Breakout • Rim • Penalty Kill

Coach's Challenge

Definition: A review requested by a coach to challenge certain on-ice calls, such as offside or goalie interference, depending on the league's rules.

Example: "The coach used his challenge to review the offside before the goal."

Related: Offside • Goalie • Ref

Coast-to-Coast

Definition: Carrying the puck the length of the ice yourself before scoring or creating a chance.

Example: "He went coast-to-coast and buried it."

Related: End-to-End • Rush

Cookie

Definition: An easy pass or perfect setup that's impossible to miss.

Example: "He served up a cookie for the tap-in."

Related: Apple • Sauce

Cookie Jar

Definition: The very top corners of the net.

Example: "He went top shelf, right in the cookie jar."

Related: Top Shelf • Cheese

Crash the Net

Definition: Driving hard to the front of the goal to look for rebounds, deflections, or loose pucks.

Example: "Crash the net and be ready for the rebound."

Related: Greasy Goal • Net-Front • Rebound

Crossbar

Definition: The horizontal bar that connects the two goal posts. Often mentioned when a shot rings off the bar instead of going in.

Example: “He beat the goalie but caught the crossbar.”

Related: Bar Down • Iron • Pipe

Cross-Check

Definition: Using the shaft of the stick with both hands to forcefully check an opponent. Illegal when called as a penalty.

Example: "He took a two-minute minor for a cross-check in front of the net."

Related: Boarding • High-Sticking • Interference

Cycle

Definition: An offensive strategy where teammates continuously move the puck along the boards and through the offensive zone to maintain possession and create scoring chances.

Example: "They wore the defense down with a strong cycle."

Related: Forecheck • Sauce • Rag the Puck

D

Dangler

Definition: A player with exceptional stickhandling who can weave through defenders.

Example: "He's an absolute dangler with the puck."

Related: Mitts • Hands • Toe Drag

Deke

Definition: A deceptive move used to fake out an opponent or goalie.

Example: "He deked the goalie out of his pads."

Related: Toe Drag • Dangler • Breakaway

Delayed Offside

Definition: A situation where an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck but has time to tag up by clearing the zone before touching the puck again.

Example: "The winger tagged up, and the delayed offside was waved off."

Related: Offside • Blue Line • Neutral Zone

Delayed Penalty

Definition: When the referee signals a penalty but allows play to continue until the offending team gains possession of the puck.

Example: "The goalie raced to the bench during the delayed penalty for an extra attacker."

Related: Pull the Goalie • Ref • Power Play

D-to-D

Definition: A pass from one defenseman to the other, often used to reset the play, change the angle of attack, or begin a breakout.

Example: "A quick D-to-D pass opened up the breakout."

Related: Breakout • Headman • Point

Dirty Area

Definition: The area directly in front of the net where rebounds and deflections happen.

Example: "Goals are scored in the dirty area."

Related: Greasy Goal • Net-Front

Dirty Dangles

Definition: Exceptional stickhandling moves that leave defenders reaching and create scoring chances.

Example: "He pulled off some dirty dangles before roofing it."

Related: Dangler • Deke • Mitts

Dish

Definition: To make a pass, especially one that creates a scoring chance.

Example: "He dished it across for an easy tap-in."

Related: Apple • Sauce

Donnybrook

Definition: A full-on hockey fight involving multiple players.

Example: "The second period ended in a complete donnybrook."

Related: Tilly • Scrap

Door

Definition: The bench gate where players jump on and off the ice.

Example: "Get to the door—you're up next."

Related: Line Change • Bench

Draw

Definition: Another term for a faceoff, or the act of winning possession after the puck
is dropped.

Example: "He won an important draw in the defensive zone."

Related: Faceoff • Dot • Center

Dot

Definition: A faceoff circle.

Example: "Meet me at the dot."

Related: Faceoff • Draw

Drop the Gloves

Definition: To remove your gloves and prepare to fight another player.

Example: "The two veterans dropped the gloves at center ice."

Related: Tilly • Donnybrook • Goon

Duster

Definition: A player who rarely gets on the ice. His jersey collects dust.

Example: "He's been a healthy scratch so long he's a duster."

Related: Pylon • Plug • Pigeon

E

Edge Work

Definition: A player's ability to use the inside and outside edges of their skates for quick turns, agility, and balance.

Example: "His edge work is unreal."

Related: Wheels • Flow

Empty Net

Definition: The unattended goal after a team pulls its goalie for an extra skater, or a goal scored into that open net.

Example: "He iced the game with an empty-net goal."

Related: Pull the Goalie • Overtime • Game Winner

End-to-End

Definition: Carrying the puck from one end of the ice to the other.

Example: "He went end-to-end and finished it himself."

Related: Coast-to-Coast • Rush

Enforcer

Definition: A player whose role is to protect teammates and bring physical play when needed.

Example: "Every team used to have an enforcer."

Related: Goon • Tough Guy

F

Face Wash

Definition: When a player shoves their glove into an opponent's face or cage during a scrum, usually after the whistle, to annoy or intimidate them.

Example: "The defenseman gave him a face wash after the whistle."

Related: Roughing • Cross-Check • Tilly

Faceoff

Definition: The method used to start play or resume play after a stoppage, where two opposing players battle for possession after the puck is dropped.

Example: "Winning the opening faceoff set the tone for the game."

Related: Dot • Draw • Center

Five Hole

Definition: The space between a goalie's legs.

Example: "He beat the goalie five hole."

Related: Top Shelf • Cheese

Floating

Definition: Not skating hard or avoiding defensive responsibility.

Example: "Quit floating and pick somebody up."

Related: Cherry Picking • Coasting

Flow

Definition: Long hockey hair, usually flowing out the back of a helmet.

Example: "That rookie has incredible flow."

Related: Lettuce

Flutter Puck

Definition: A puck that wobbles or knuckles unpredictably through the air, making it difficult for goalies to track.

Example: "That flutter puck changed direction three times before finding the net."

Related: Knuckle Puck • Muffin • Snapshot

Forecheck

Definition: Applying pressure in the offensive zone to force turnovers.

Example: "Their forecheck never gave us any room."

Related: Cycle • Backcheck

Forechecker

Definition: A player who pressures the opposing team in the offensive zone to force turnovers and disrupt breakouts.

Example: "Their best forechecker never gave our defense time to make a play."

Related: Forecheck • Backcheck • Cycle

Forehand

Definition: A shot or pass made using the front side of the stick blade, where players typically have the most control and power.

Example: "He pulled the puck to his forehand before roofing it."

Related: Backhand • Deke • Wrist Shot

Franchise Player

Definition: A team's cornerstone player—the one a franchise builds around for years because of their elite talent and leadership.

Example: "He's the franchise player every team wishes they had."

Related: Stud • Captain • Two-Way Forward

Freebie

Definition: A goal a goalie feels they should have stopped. Often used after allowing an easy or soft goal.

Example: "The goalie would like that freebie back."

Related: Softie • Muffin

Freeze the Puck

Definition: When a goalie covers the puck with their glove to stop play and allow teammates to reset or get a line change.

Example: "The goalie froze the puck after a long shift to give his team a breather."

Related: Goalie • Whistle • Faceoff

Frozen Biscuit

Definition: The hockey puck.

Example: "Keep your eyes on the frozen biscuit."

Related: Biscuit • Puck

Full Cage

Definition: A full-face wire cage attached to a hockey helmet for facial protection. Required in most youth and amateur leagues.

Example: "He switched to a full cage after taking a puck to the face."

Related: Cage • Bucket • Visor

G

Game Misconduct

Definition: A severe penalty that ejects a player from the remainder of the game for serious infractions or repeated misconduct.

Example: "He received a game misconduct after the altercation."

Related: Misconduct • Cross-Check • Boarding

Game Seven

Definition: The winner-take-all final game of a best-of-seven playoff series, often considered the ultimate pressure game in hockey.

Example: "Nothing compares to the intensity of a Game Seven."

Related: Hat Trick • Red Light • Team First

Game Winner

Definition: The goal that ultimately decides the outcome of a game.

Example: "She scored the game winner halfway through the third period."

Related: Gino • Red Light • Clutch

Gap Control

Definition: The distance a defender maintains between themselves and the puck carrier to limit time, space, and scoring opportunities.

Example: "The defenseman had excellent gap control and forced the attacker wide."

Related: Defenseman • Pinch • Blue Line

Garage League

Definition: A joking way to describe a very low-level beer league.

Example: "Relax—it's garage league."

Related: Beer League

Garbage Goal

Definition: A goal scored by cleaning up rebounds or loose pucks around the crease.

Example: "It wasn't pretty, but every garbage goal counts."

Related: Greasy Goal

Gino

Definition: A goal.

Example: "He finished with two apples and a gino."

Related: Lamp • Biscuit

Glove

Definition: The catching glove worn by a goalie, used to catch or deflect shots on the non-stick hand.

Example: "He flashed the glove to rob what looked like a sure goal."

Related: Glove Save • Blocker • Tendy

Glove Save

Definition: A save made by catching or stopping the puck with the goalie's catching glove.

Example: "What a glove save—he absolutely robbed him."

Related: Blocker • Kick Save • Tendy

Goalie

Definition: The player responsible for protecting the net and stopping the opposing team from scoring.

Example: “Our goalie stole that game.”

Related: Tendy • Netminder • Vezina

Goalie Hug

Definition: The celebration between a goalie and teammates after a win, most famously the embrace between a goalie and backup goalie.

Example: "The goalie hug has become a postgame tradition."

Related: Tendy • Team First

Goal Line

Definition: The line that runs between the goal posts and extends to the boards. The puck must completely cross the goal line to count as a goal.

Example: "The replay showed the puck completely crossed the goal line."

Related: Red Light • Goalie • Net-Front

Gong Show

Definition: A game or situation that has completely gotten out of control.

Example: "The third period turned into a total gong show."

Related: Donnybrook • Circus

Goon

Definition: A player known more for fighting and physical play than scoring.

Example: "Nobody wanted to answer the bell with that goon."

Related: Enforcer • Tilly

Gordie Howe Hat Trick

Definition: A goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.

Example: "He nearly had a Gordie Howe hat trick."

Related: Hat Trick • Tilly

Greasy Goal

Definition: An ugly goal scored through effort, rebounds, or traffic around the net.

Example: "Every team needs a few greasy goals."

Related: Garbage Goal • Dirty Area

Grinder

Definition: A hardworking player who wins puck battles, forechecks relentlessly, blocks shots, and outworks opponents through grit and determination rather than flashy skill.

Example: "He isn't the biggest scorer, but every team needs a grinder."

Related: Mucker • Hard Hat • Forecheck

H

Handcuffed

Definition: When the puck gets too close to a player's body or skates, making it difficult to control.

Example: "The pass handcuffed him and he couldn't get a shot off."

Related: Mishandle • Sauce

Hands

Definition: A player's stickhandling ability and puck control.

Example: "That kid has unbelievable hands."

Related: Dangler • Mitts

Hard Hat

Definition: A player known for grit, hustle, and doing the dirty work rather than flashy scoring.

Example: "He's a hard hat player who wins battles every shift."

Related: Grinder • Mucker • Forecheck

Hash Marks (Also called: The hashes.)

Definition: The short lines extending from the faceoff circles that help define positioning during faceoffs. Often called the hashes, they're also used to describe a key shooting area in the offensive zone.

Example: "He ripped a wrister from the hash marks."

Related: Faceoff • Slot • Top Corner

Hat Trick

Definition: Scoring three goals in a single game.

Example: "She completed the hat trick late in the third."

Related: Gino • Gordie Howe Hat Trick

Hatty

Definition: A casual nickname for a hat trick—scoring three goals in a single game.

Example: "He completed the hatty with an empty-net goal."

Related: Hat Trick • Gino • Red Light

Headman

Definition: A long, accurate pass that springs a teammate up the ice.

Example: "What a headman pass to start the rush."

Related: Stretch Pass • Apple

Healthy Scratch

Definition: A player who is available to play but is left out of the lineup by the coach's decision rather than because of injury.

Example: "He was a healthy scratch for tonight's game."

Related: Duster • Lineup

Herbies

Definition: A grueling skating conditioning drill made famous by legendary coach Herb Brooks, requiring players to repeatedly sprint to different rink lines without rest.

Example: "Coach had us doing Herbies at the end of practice—we could barely skate afterward."

Related: Conditioning • Edge Work • Herb Brooks

High Slot

Definition: The area between the top of the faceoff circles, often used to generate shots or distribute the puck in the offensive zone.

Example: "He found open ice in the high slot and ripped a snapshot."

Related: Slot • Point • One-Timer

High-Sticking

Definition: A penalty for making contact with an opponent using a stick carried above shoulder height.

Example: "The officials assessed a double minor for high-sticking."

Related: Cross-Check • Hooking • Tripping

Hip Check

Definition: A defensive move where a player uses their hip to separate an opponent from the puck with a well-timed body check.

Example: "He threw a textbook hip check at the blue line."

Related: Body Check • Open Ice Hit • Reverse Hit

Holding

Definition: A penalty for grabbing or restraining an opponent with the hands, arms, or body.

Example: "He was whistled for holding behind the net."

Related: Hooking • Interference • Cross-Check

Home Plate

Definition: The high-danger scoring area directly in front of the net.

Example: "Protect the home plate area."

Related: Slot • Dirty Area

Hooking

Definition: A penalty for using the stick to impede or slow an opponent by hooking part of their body or hands.

Example: "The defenseman was called for hooking on the breakaway."

Related: Tripping • Holding • Cross-Check

Hospital Pass

Definition: A pass that leaves a teammate exposed to a big hit because they have to focus on receiving the puck instead of protecting themselves.

Example: "Don't throw your teammate a hospital pass through the middle."

Related: Sauce • Apple • Open Ice Hit

Howitzer

Definition: A powerful, booming shot, usually referring to a hard slap shot.

Example: "He unloaded a howitzer from the blue line."

Related: Clapper • One-Timer • Snipe

I

Icing

Definition: A rule violation that occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line all the way past the opposing team's goal line without it being touched.

Example: "The defense was exhausted, but they couldn't change after the icing call."

Related: Faceoff • Delayed Offside • Neutral Zone

Interference

Definition: A penalty for impeding or checking an opponent who does not have possession of the puck.

Example: "The defenseman was called for interference after leveling a player away from the play."

Related: Holding • Cross-Check • Hooking

Iron

Definition: The goal post or crossbar.

Example: "He rang it right off the iron."

Related: Bar Down • Pipe

J

Jungle

Definition: A chaotic scramble of players battling for a loose puck.

Example: "The puck disappeared in the jungle."

Related: Scramble • Greasy Goal

K

Kick Save

Definition: A save made with the goalie's leg pad.

Example: "Huge kick save with thirty seconds left."

Related: Robbery • Glove Save

Knuckle Puck

Definition: A puck that wobbles unpredictably because it isn't spinning cleanly.

Example: "That knuckle puck fooled everyone."

Related: Flutter Puck

L

Lamp

Definition: To score a goal. Short for "light the lamp."

Example: "He lit the lamp twice tonight."

Related: Gino • Biscuit

Lettuce

Definition: Long hockey hair flowing out of the back of the helmet.

Example: "That's Hall of Fame lettuce."

Related: Flow

Light the Lamp

Definition: To score a goal, referring to the red goal light that turns on when the puck crosses the goal line.

Example: "He lit the lamp twice in the third period."

Related: Lamp • Gino • Red Light

Line Change

Definition: The act of substituting players on and off the ice during play while keeping the game flowing.

Example: "That was a perfect line change—they never lost pressure."

Related: Change • Door • Bench

Linesman

Definition: An on-ice official responsible for faceoffs, offside calls, icing, and breaking up altercations. Unlike referees, linesmen generally do not call most penalties.

Example: "The linesman waved off the icing and kept play moving."

Related: Liney • Ref • Offside

 

Lineup

Definition: The group of players dressed and available to play in a game.

Example: "He returned to the lineup after missing three games."

Related: Healthy Scratch • Change • Team First

Liney

Definition: Informal nickname for a linesman.

Example: "The liney caught the offside."

Related: Zebra

Locker Room Guy

Definition: A teammate who keeps morale high and is respected by everyone.

Example: "Every championship team needs a locker room guy."

Related: Beauty • Glue Guy

Loose Change

Definition: Slang for loose pucks or rebounds sitting around the crease waiting to be buried.

Example: "There was loose change all over the blue paint."

Related: Rebound • Greasy Goal • Garbage Goal

Lumber

Definition: A hockey stick.

Example: "Time for some new lumber."

Related: Twig

M

Meat Wagon

Definition: The stretcher used when a seriously injured player leaves the ice.

Example: "The collision was bad enough to bring out the meat wagon."

Related: Trainer

Michigan

Definition: The lacrosse-style move where a player picks the puck up on the blade and tucks it into the net.

Example: "He tried a Michigan behind the net."

Related: Lacrosse Goal • Highlight Reel

Mitts

Definition: Exceptional puck-handling ability.

Example: "He's got filthy mitts."

Related: Hands • Dangler

Mohawk

Definition: A skating technique where a player rotates both skates outward while maintaining speed, allowing them to change direction, protect the puck, or transition without crossing over.

Example: "She used a smooth Mohawk turn to create space entering the offensive zone."

Related: Edge Work • Wheels • Deke

Muffin

Definition: A weak, slow shot that's easy to stop.

Example: "The goalie swallowed that muffin."

Related: Pizza • Softie

Mucker

Definition: A hardworking player who wins puck battles through effort rather than flashy skill.

Example: "He's not fancy, but he's a great mucker."

Related: Grinder • Greasy Goal

N

Natural Hat Trick

Definition: Scoring three consecutive goals in a game without another player scoring in between.

Example: "He completed a natural hat trick before the end of the second period."

Related: Hat Trick • Gino

Net-Front

Definition: The area directly in front of the goal where screens, rebounds, and tips happen.

Example: "Win the battle at the net-front."

Related: Crease • Greasy Goal

Net Drive

Definition: Skating hard toward the front of the net to create a scoring chance, draw defenders, or look for rebounds.

Example: "His net drive opened up the weak side for an easy goal."

Related: Crash the Net • Net-Front • Greasy Goal

Netminder

Definition: Another name for a goalie, commonly used by broadcasters, coaches, and hockey writers.

Example: "The netminder stopped all 32 shots for the shutout."

Related: Tendy • Goalie • Vezina

Neutral Zone

Definition: The center section of the ice between the two blue lines where teams transition from defense to offense.

Example: "They clogged up the neutral zone and slowed every rush."

Related: Forecheck • Rush • Stretch Pass

Neutral Zone Trap

Definition: A defensive system designed to clog the neutral zone, limit odd-man rushes, and force turnovers before the attacking team enters the offensive zone.

Example: "They frustrated everyone with a disciplined neutral zone trap."

Related: Neutral Zone • Forecheck • Backcheck

Nip

Definition: A quick, accurate shot released with very little wind-up.

Example: "He nipped it over the goalie's glove."

Related: Snipe • Snapshot

No Bucket

Definition: Slang for skating without a helmet. Usually said jokingly or when referring to warmups, pond hockey, or old-school hockey stories.

Example: "Back then, half the guys played shinny with no bucket."

Related: Bucket • Shinny • Pond Hockey

No-Look Pass

Definition: A pass made without looking directly at the intended teammate.

Example: "That no-look pass set up an easy goal."

Related: Apple • Sauce

O

Odd-Man Rush

Definition: An offensive rush where attackers outnumber defenders.

Example: "They capitalized on a 3-on-2 odd-man rush."

Related: Rush

Off the Iron

Definition: A shot that hits the goal post or crossbar.

Example: "He rang it off the iron."

Related: Pipe • Bar Down

Offside

Definition: A play is offside when an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck crosses the blue line.

Example: "The linesman blew the play dead for offside."

Related: Blue Line • Liney • Neutral Zone

One-Timer

Definition: Shooting the puck immediately after receiving a pass without first
controlling it.

Example: "He buried the one-timer from the left circle."

Related: Clapper • Snipe

On the Tape

Definition: A pass that lands perfectly on a teammate's stick blade, allowing them to receive it cleanly without breaking stride.

Example: "He put that pass right on the tape."

Related: Tape-to-Tape • Apple • Sauce

Open Ice Hit

Definition: A body check delivered away from the boards, usually catching a puck
carrier by surprise.

Example: "That open ice hit changed the momentum."

Related: Kronwalled • Body Check

Overtime

Definition: The extra period played when a game is tied at the end of regulation. The format varies by league, but it's played to determine a winner before a shootout in many leagues.

Example: "The game needed overtime after both teams finished regulation tied."

Related: Shootout • Game Winner • Breakaway

Own Goal

Definition: A goal accidentally scored by a player's own team into their own net.

Example: "The defenseman's clearing attempt became an own goal."

Related: Bad Bounce

P

Pancakes

Definition: Goalie pads.

Example: "The puck bounced right off his pancakes."

Related: Kick Save

Penalty Kill (PK)

Definition: Playing shorthanded after taking a penalty, with the goal of preventing the opposing team from scoring.

Example: "Their penalty kill came up huge late in the third."

Related: Power Play • Forecheck • Team First

Penalty Shot

Definition: A one-on-one scoring opportunity awarded after a player is illegally denied a clear breakaway chance.

Example: "He scored on the penalty shot to tie the game."

Related: Breakaway • Shootout • Goalie

Pigeon

Definition: A player who scores easy goals created by teammates rather than generating offense themselves.

Example: "Quit being a pigeon and go win your own puck."

Related: Garbage Goal • Apple

Pillow

Definition: A soft, easy shot that poses little challenge for the goalie.

Example: "That wrister was a pillow right into the goalie's glove."

Related: Muffin • Softie

Pinch

Definition: When a defenseman moves down the boards or deeper into the offensive zone to keep the puck in or maintain offensive pressure.

Example: "The defenseman made a great pinch to keep the play alive."

Related: Blue Line • Cycle • Forecheck

Pipe

Definition: A goal post.

Example: "He beat the goalie but caught pipe."

Related: Iron • Bar Down

Pizza

Definition: A terrible pass that gets "delivered" directly to the other team.

Example: "That turnover was an absolute pizza."

Related: Apple • Turnover

Playmaker

Definition: A player known for creating scoring chances through exceptional vision, passing, and hockey IQ.

Example: "He's a true playmaker who always finds the open teammate."

Related: Apple • Primary Assist • Sauce

Plug

Definition: A player with limited skill. Usually used jokingly among teammates.

Example: "Don't listen to him—he's a plug."

Related: Bender • Pylon

Plus/Minus

Definition: A statistic that measures whether a player is on the ice for more even-strength goals scored by their team than goals scored against them.

Example: "He finished the season as a +18 despite missing several games."

Related: Two-Way Forward • Team First • Plus Player

Poke Check

Definition: A defensive play where a player or goalie uses the blade of their stick to knock the puck away from an opponent.

Example: "The defenseman broke up the breakaway with a perfectly timed poke check."

Related: Stick Lift • Deke • Backcheck

Point

Definition: The area near the blue line where defensemen often control the puck and take long shots.

Example: "The defenseman blasted one from the point."

Related: Blue Line • Clapper • Howitzer

Pond Hockey

Definition: Outdoor hockey played on frozen lakes or ponds, often without officials, boards, or structured teams.

Example: "Nothing beats a Saturday of pond hockey."

Related: Shinny • Outdoor Hockey

Post

Definition: One of the two vertical goal posts. Players often say a shot "hit the post" when it rings off the goal frame instead of going in.

Example: "He beat the goalie but caught the post."

Related: Pipe • Iron • Crossbar

Power Play

Definition: A manpower advantage created when the opposing team has one or more players serving a penalty.

Example: "They scored on the power play just thirty seconds into the period."

Related: Penalty Kill • One-Timer • Point

Power Play Quarterback

Definition: The player, usually a defenseman, who directs the offense from the point and controls puck movement on the power play.

Example: "The rookie blueliner quickly became the team's power play quarterback."

Related: Power Play • Point • Blueliner

Primary Assist

Definition: The final pass made before a goal is scored.

Example: "He picked up the primary assist."

Related: Apple • Secondary Assist

Pull the Goalie

Definition: Removing the goalie for an extra skater in an attempt to create more offensive pressure, usually late in a game.

Example: "They pulled the goalie with just over two minutes remaining."

Related: Empty Net • Tendy

Pylon

Definition: A player who skates very slowly or barely moves.

Example: "You looked like a pylon out there."

Related: Plug • Bender

Q

Quick Release

Definition: Releasing a shot with very little wind-up, making it difficult for goalies to react.

Example: "His quick release beat the goalie clean."

Related: Snapshot • Snipe

R

Rag the Puck

Definition: To maintain possession by skating or passing the puck around, often to kill time.

Example: "They ragged the puck for the final minute."

Related: Possession • Cycle

Rebound

Definition: A loose puck left in front of the goalie after a save.

Example: "Crash the net for the rebound."

Related: Greasy Goal • Garbage Goal

Red Light

Definition: Slang for a goal, referring to the goal light turning on.

Example: "He lit the red light again."

Related: Lamp • Gino

Red Line

Definition: The center line that divides the rink in half. It's used for line changes, icing rules, and organizing play through the neutral zone.

Example: "He dumped the puck in just before reaching the red line."

Related: Blue Line • Neutral Zone • Icing

Ref

Definition: Short for referee, the official responsible for enforcing the rules and calling penalties during the game.

Example: "The ref let them play for most of the third period."

Related: Zebra • Stripe • Liney

Reverse Hit

Definition: When the puck carrier initiates contact instead of absorbing a check.

Example: "He caught the defenseman with a reverse hit."

Related: Open Ice Hit

Rim

Definition: To send the puck hard around the boards, usually to clear the zone or move it to a teammate on the opposite side.

Example: "He rimmed the puck around the boards to the waiting winger."

Related: Breakout • Boards • Cycle

Rink Rat

Definition: Someone who spends as much time at the hockey rink as possible, whether playing, coaching, watching, or just hanging around.

Example: "He's been a rink rat since he was five years old."

Related: Barn • Locker Room Guy • Shinny

Rip

Definition: To shoot the puck with power and confidence, often referring to a hard or accurate shot.

Example: "He ripped one top shelf from the faceoff circle."

Related: Rocket • Snipe • Howitzer

Rocket

Definition: An exceptionally hard or fast shot.

Example: "He fired an absolute rocket from the point."

Related: Clapper • Howitzer • Snipe

Roof Daddy

Definition: The top portion of the net.

Example: "He went roof daddy from the hash marks."

Related: Top Shelf • Cheese

Roofer

Definition: A shot placed high into the top of the net.

Example: "Absolute roofer over the blocker."

Related: Top Shelf • Snipe

Roughing

Definition: A penalty for unnecessary pushing, shoving, punching, or other overly aggressive physical contact after the whistle or away from the play.

Example: "Both players were sent off for roughing after the scrum."

Related: Cross-Check • Boarding • Tilly

Rush

Definition: An offensive attack moving quickly up the ice.

Example: "They scored off the rush."

Related: Odd-Man Rush • Transition

S

Sandbagging

Definition: When a player or team competes in a lower skill division than they truly belong in to gain an unfair advantage.

Example: "That team is clearly sandbagging—they should be playing in the next division up."

Related: Beer League • Garage League • Plug

Sauce

Definition: A pass lifted just enough to float over sticks before landing flat for a teammate.

Example: "What a beautiful sauce across the slot."

Related: Dish • Apple

Saucer Pass

Definition: The full name for a sauce pass.

Example: "That saucer pass was perfect."

Related: Sauce

Screen

Definition: Standing in front of the goalie to block their view.

Example: "Great screen in front."

Related: Net-Front

 

Screen Shot

Definition: A shot taken while a teammate screens the goalie, making it difficult to see or react to the puck.

Example: "The defenseman scored through traffic with a perfectly placed screen shot."

Related: Screen • Traffic • Net-Front

Secondary Assist

Definition: The pass before the pass that leads to a goal.

Example: "He picked up the secondary assist."

Related: Apple • Primary Assist

Sewer Ball

Definition: A popular pregame hockey tradition where players stand in a circle and keep a soccer ball in the air using only their feet, legs, chest, and head. Players are eliminated if the ball touches the ground, they use their hands, or they exceed the allowed number of touches.

Example: "The boys were playing sewer ball outside the locker room before warmups."

Related: Warmups • Locker Room Guy • Team First

Shinny

Definition: Informal pickup hockey, usually played outdoors without officials.

Example: "We're playing shinny Saturday morning."

Related: Pond Hockey

Shootout

Definition: A tiebreaker used after overtime in many leagues where players take alternating breakaway attempts against the opposing goalie.

Example: "The goalie stopped all three shooters to win the shootout."

Related: Breakaway • Goalie • Deke

Short Side

Definition: The side of the net closest to the puck carrier. Beating a goalie short side is difficult because there's less net to shoot at.

Example: "He surprised the goalie with a shot short side."

Related: Five Hole • Top Shelf • Snipe

Shot Blocker

Definition: A player who willingly gets in front of shots to prevent the puck from reaching the net.

Example: "He's one of the best shot blockers in the league."

Related: Grinder • Hard Hat • Team First

Shorthanded

Definition: Playing with fewer skaters than the opposing team because of a penalty.

Example: "They scored a shorthanded goal while killing a penalty."

Related: Penalty Kill • Power Play • Breakaway

Silky Mitts

Definition: Exceptionally smooth stickhandling.

Example: "Those silky mitts embarrassed two defenders."

Related: Hands • Dangler

Sled Hockey

Definition: An adaptive form of hockey played by athletes with physical disabilities, using specially designed sleds and two short sticks with metal picks for propulsion.

Example: "He discovered his love for the game through sled hockey."

Related: Hockey • Team First • Shinny

Slot

Definition: The prime scoring area directly in front of the net, between the faceoff circles.

Example: "He found open ice in the slot and buried the chance."

Related: Home Plate • Net-Front • Traffic

Snapshot

Definition: A quick shot that combines the speed of a wrist shot with some of the power of a slap shot, released with very little wind-up.

Example: "He beat the goalie with a quick snapshot from the slot."

Related: Wrist Shot • Wrister • Quick Release

Snipe

Definition: A perfectly placed shot that beats the goalie with precision.

Example: "He absolutely sniped that top corner."

Related: Bar Down • Cheese • Roofer

Sniper

Definition: A player known for scoring goals with exceptional accuracy and a quick release.

Example: "Leave him alone in the slot and the sniper will make you pay."

Related: Snipe • Top Shelf • Howitzer

Snow Shower

Definition: When a player stops hard near the crease, spraying ice into the goalie after the whistle or while driving the net.

Example: "The goalie didn't appreciate the snow shower after the save."

Related: Crease • Open Ice Hit • Tilly

Softie

Definition: An easy goal that a goalie would normally stop.

Example: "The goalie would love that softie back."

Related: Muffin

Spin-o-rama

Definition: A spinning deke used to beat a defender or goalie.

Example: "He pulled off a beautiful spin-o-rama."

Related: Deke

Stand on His Head

Definition: A phrase used when a goalie plays exceptionally well, making numerous difficult saves to keep their team in the game.

Example: "Our goalie stood on his head all night."

Related: Vezina • Tendy • Kick Save

Stretch Pass

Definition: A long pass sent to a teammate breaking up the ice.

Example: "The stretch pass created a breakaway."

Related: Headman

Stripe

Definition: A referee.

Example: "The stripe missed another one."

Related: Zebra • Ref

Stud

Definition: A highly skilled player who consistently performs.

Example: "She's an absolute stud."

Related: Beauty

T

Tag Up

Definition: During a delayed offside, attacking players must completely exit the offensive zone before re-entering after the puck crosses the blue line.

Example: "Tag up! Get out of the zone before coming back in."

Related: Delayed Offside • Offside • Blue Line

Tape

Definition: The cloth tape players wrap around the blade and handle of their stick to improve puck control and grip.

Example: "Fresh tape before every game is a superstition for some players."

Related: Tape Job • Twig • Sauce

Tape Job

Definition: The way a player tapes their stick blade or handle.

Example: "His tape job never changes."

Related: Twig

Tape-to-Tape

Definition: A perfectly accurate pass that lands directly on a teammate's stick blade.

Example: "That tape-to-tape pass split the defense."

Related: Apple • Sauce • Dish

Tendy

Definition: Short for goaltender or goalie.

Example: "Our tendy stood on his head tonight."

Related: Goalie • Netminder

Tilly

Definition: A hockey fight between two willing players.

Example: "Those two dropped the gloves for a tilly."

Related: Donnybrook • Scrap

Toe Drag

Definition: A stickhandling move where a player pulls the puck toward their body with the toe of the blade to avoid a defender.

Example: "He pulled off a beautiful toe drag through the neutral zone."

Related: Deke • Dangler • Mitts

Toe Pick

Definition: The front teeth of a figure skate blade. Hockey skates don't have a toe pick, and new players sometimes confuse the two.

Example: "That's a figure skate—hockey skates don't have a toe pick."

Related: Edge Work • Skates

Toe Curve

Definition: A hockey stick blade with a pronounced curve near the toe, making it easier to shoot, toe drag, and lift the puck.

Example: "He prefers a toe curve because it helps him pull off toe drags."

Related: Toe Drag • Twig • Snapshot

Too Many Men

Definition: A bench penalty called when a team has more than the allowed number of players on the ice. Also called: Too Many Men on the Ice.

Example: "They were called for too many men during a sloppy line change."

Related: Bench Minor • Line Change • Penalty Kill

Top Cheese

Definition: The upper corners of the net where skilled shooters aim.

Example: "He picked top cheese from the left circle."

Related: Cheese • Top Shelf • Snipe

Top Corner

Definition: The upper left or upper right corner of the net, one of the hardest places for a goalie to stop a shot.

Example: "He picked the top corner from the hash marks."

Related: Top Shelf • Bar Down • Snipe

Top Shelf

Definition: The highest part of the net, just under the crossbar.

Example: "She went top shelf where grandma keeps the cookies."

Related: Cheese • Bar Down • Roofer

Traffic

Definition: Players gathered in front of the net that make it difficult for the goalie to see the puck.

Example: "The shot found its way through heavy traffic."

Related: Screen • Net-Front • Dirty Area

Traffic Cone

Definition: A joking nickname for a player who skates so slowly they might as well be standing still.

Example: "Move your feet—you've been a traffic cone all shift."

Related: Pylon • Plug • Bender

Transition

Definition: The moment a team changes from defense to offense—or offense to defense—often with speed through the neutral zone.

Example: "Their quick transition caught the defense off guard."

Related: Breakout • Rush • Neutral Zone

Tripping

Definition: A penalty for causing an opponent to fall by using the stick, body, arm, or leg.

Example: "He reached with his stick and was called for tripping."

Related: Hooking • Holding • Cross-Check

Turtle

Definition: A player who curls into a ball during a fight instead of defending themselves.

Example: "He turtled as soon as the gloves came off."

Related: Tilly • Scrap

Twig

Definition: A hockey stick.

Example: "Time for a new twig."

Related: Lumber

Two-Way Forward

Definition: A forward who is equally responsible offensively and defensively.

Example: "She's one of the best two-way forwards on the team."

Related: Backcheck • Team First

U

Unreal

Definition: A common hockey compliment used after an incredible play, save, pass,
or goal.

Example: "That pass was unreal."

Related: Beauty • Stud

V

Veggie

Definition: Slang used jokingly after a massive hit that leaves a player slow to get up or momentarily stunned.

Example: "That hit turned him into a veggie."

Related: Kronwalled • Open Ice Hit

Vezina

Definition: Slang for a goalie playing exceptionally well, referencing the NHL's Vezina Trophy.

Example: "Their goalie went full Vezina tonight."

Related: Brick Wall • Tendy

W

Walk the Blue Line

Definition: When a defenseman skates laterally along the blue line to create a better shooting or passing lane while keeping the puck in the offensive zone.

Example: "The defenseman walked the blue line before firing a shot through traffic."

Related: Blue Line • Point • Pinch

 

Waffleboard

Definition: A goalie's blocker.

Example: "He kicked it to the waffleboard."

Related: Tendy • Kick Save

Wagon

Definition: An exceptionally strong hockey team.

Example: "That team is an absolute wagon."

Related: Beauty • Stud

Warmups

Definition: The pregame skate where players loosen up, take shots, and prepare for the game before the opening faceoff.

Example: "The boys looked sharp during warmups."

Related: Sewer Ball • Lineup • Barn

Water Bottle

Definition: Slang for the water bottle sitting on top of the net. A perfectly placed shot that knocks it off is considered an elite shot.

Example: "He picked the water bottle clean from the top corner."

Related: Top Shelf • Bar Down • Snipe

Wheel

Definition: To skate hard with the puck, usually through open ice.

Example: "Wheel! Wheel!"

Related: Wheels • Rush

Wheel, Snipe, Celly

Definition: One of hockey's most recognizable expressions—skate hard, score, then celebrate.

Example: "Just wheel, snipe, celly, boys."

Related: Snipe • Celly

Wheelhouse

Definition: The area or situation where a player is most comfortable or dangerous, especially when shooting or making a play.

Example: "That pass landed right in his wheelhouse."

Related: One-Timer • Snipe • Point

Wheels

Definition: Exceptional skating speed.

Example: "That winger has serious wheels."

Related: Edge Work • Speed

Wide Open

Definition: Completely uncovered and available for a pass.

Example: "I'm wide open!"

Related: Back Door

Winger

Definition: A forward who plays on the left or right side of the ice, helping create offense, support the defense, and battle along the boards.

Example: "The winger buried the backdoor pass for an easy goal."

Related: Center • Two-Way Forward • Forecheck

Wood

Definition: Slang for a hockey stick, dating back to when nearly all sticks were made of wood.

Example: "Grab your wood—we've got ice in five."

Related: Twig • Lumber • Stick

Wrister

Definition: Slang for a wrist shot, one of the most common and accurate shots in hockey.

Example: "He beat the goalie clean with a quick wrister."

Related: Snipe • Quick Release • Top Shelf

Wrist Shot

Definition: One of the most common shots in hockey, released by snapping the puck off the blade using the wrists instead of a slap shot.

Example: "She beat the goalie with a quick wrist shot from the slot."

Related: Wrister • Quick Release • Snipe

X

X-Factor

Definition: A player who can change the game with one shift or one play.

Example: "She's the X-factor on this team."

Related: Difference Maker

Y

Yard Sale

Definition: A collision or fall where gloves, stick, helmet, and equipment end up scattered everywhere.

Example: "That hit turned into a complete yard sale."

Related: Open Ice Hit • Wipeout

Z

Zamboni

Definition: The machine used to resurface the ice between periods.

Example: "Nothing sounds better than the Zamboni after a hard skate."

Related: Barn • Ice Crew

Zebra

Definition: A referee or official.

Example: "The zebras missed another offside."

Related: Stripe • Ref

Zebra Stripe

Definition: A playful nickname for a referee, referring to the black-and-white striped jersey officials wear.

Example: "The zebra stripes let them play through most of the third period."

Related: Zebra • Stripe • Ref

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Continue Learning the Game

New to hockey? These guides will help you understand the game, choose your gear, and hit the ice with confidence.

What Hockey Gear Do You Need?
Best Hockey Gear for Adult Beginners
How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick
Hockey Stick Flex Chart
Hockey Skate Sizing Guide