Ice hockey may seem like organized chaos to someone unfamiliar with the game, but to players, coaches and avid hockey fans, the various positions on the ice have purpose and direction. Understanding the hockey positions can help you better understand the game if you're a player and help you better follow and understand the games you watch if you're a fan.
Center
The center position controls center ice, as the name implies, and is one of the most important offensive and defensive positions. The center has responsibility for all face-offs, and helps set up his teammates on the offensive end for scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, the center assists the defensemen by attempting to break up the opposing team's offensive plays in the center of the ice.
Wing
Two offensive attackers on either side of the ice are wings. The right and left wings move with the direction of the puck down the left and right side of the rink. Wing players tend to be larger, more physical players so they can check opposing players on the boards to secure control of the puck. On defense, wings attempt to stop the puck before it advances past the center line.
Defensemen
Like wings, two defensemen are situated on either side of the ice, and are responsible for guarding the area around and behind the goal. The job of the defensemen is to do everything possible to prevent shots on goal, and then set up the wings and center for scoring opportunities down the ice. Once the puck advances past the blue line on the opposite end of the ice, the role of the defensemen is to keep the puck from advancing back over the blue line into their defensive territory.
Goaltender
The last line of defense against the opposing team scoring, the goaltender wears additional padding and protective equipment to guard against shots coming in on goal. The goaltender stands in front of the goal to block shots, but also might move behind the goal to gain control of the puck for his team. Goaltenders tend to possess superior skills at coordination, balance and quickness to be able to stop shots that exceed 100 mph.
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