Backcheck

Legal attempt by forwards on their way to their defense zone to regain control of the puck.

Breakout

When the attacking team comes out of its defending zone with the puck and starts up the ice.

Crease

The area in front of the goal marked by a red semi-circle.

Clearing the Puck

When the puck is passed or shot away from in front of the net or congested area.

Forecheck

To keep opponents in their end of the rink while trying to regain control of the puck (legal).

Freezing the Puck

Holding the puck against the board with the stick or with skates.

Hat Trick

Three goals scored by one player in a single game.

Headmanning

Passing the puck forward to a leading teammate.

Point

A position just inside the opposition blue line and close to the boards. Attacking defensemen usually take these positions when their team is in control of the puck in the opposition's zone.

Slap Shot

Bringing the stick back, then quickly forward, hitting the ice and puck at the same time.

Stickhandling

Controlling the puck along the ice with stick.

Wrist Shot

Propelling the puck off the blade of the stick with a quick flick-of-the-wrist.

Hockey is unique in that several times during a game, both teams will be forced to play "short handed" when one or more of its players are put in the penalty box. No team is forced to play more than two men below full (six-man) strength at any time. However, if a third penalty is called, it is suspended until the first expires. For penalties called on the goaltender, a teammate serves his time in the penalty box. Except for major or match penalties, the "shorthanded" team gets to play at full strength as soon as the opposition scores.

Here is a brief description of the types of penalties:

Minor (2 minutes or 1:30 minutes)

Called for all minor infractions such as tripping, hooking, etc. Length of time depends on the level.

Major (5 minutes)

Usually assessed to the players involved in an on-ice altercation.

Misconduct (10 minutes or rest of game)

Profane or abusive language to an official. Team does not play shorthanded.

Match (remainder of game)

For deliberately injuring an opponent. The team must play shorthanded for five (5) minutes regardless if the opponent scores a power play goal.

Penalty Shot

A free shot, unopposed except by the goaltender, is given to a player who is illegally impeded from behind when in possession of the puck and with no opponent between him and the goal except the goalie. The team which commits the offense is not penalized beyond the penalty shot, whether it succeeds or not.

Boarding

Pounding the closed fist of one hand into the other. Called for driving opponent into the boards.

Charging

Rotating clenched fists in front of chest. Called for taking more than three strides before checking an opponent.

Cross Checking

A forward and backward motion with fists extending from the chest. Called for hitting opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.

Delayed Calling of Penalty

Referee extends arm and points to penalized player until penalized team regains puck.

Elbowing

Tapping the elbow with the opposite hand. Called when using elbow to impede opponent.

High-Sticking

Holding both fists, clenched, one above the other at the side of the head. Called for carrying stick above shoulder against opponent.

Holding

Clasping the wrist in front of the chest. Called for using hands on opponent or his equipment.

Hooking

Tugging motion with arms, is called for using stick or blade to hook opponent.

Icing

Linesman's arms folded across the upper chest.

Interference

Crossed arms in front of chest with fists closed. Called for having contact with opponent not in control of the puck.

Kneeing

Slapping the knee with palm of hand. Called when using knee to impede opponent.

Misconduct

Place both hands on hips. Called for various forms of misconduct or when a player incurs a second major penalty in a game.

Roughing

A thrusting motion with the arm extending from the side. Called for engaging in fisticuffs or shoving.

Slashing

Chopping with one hand across the opposite forearm. Called for swinging stick at the opponent.

Spearing

A jabbing motion with both hands in front of the body. Called for using the stick like a spear.

Tripping

Striking the right leg with the right hand below the knee. Called for using stick, arm or leg to cause opponent to trip or fall.

Wash-Out

Both arms swung across the body with palms down. When used by referee, it means goal is disallowed; by linesman it means no off-side or icing.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Use both hands to form a "T" in front of the chest.