In a game of ice hockey each team has six players on the ice at one time. Each player has a specific position and goal during play. The positions are split into three groups: the forwards, the defensemen, and the goaltender.
The Forwards: Centers and Wings
There are three forwards: the center, the right wing, and the left wing. They are the offensive players, whose goal is to score on the other team's net.
The right wing plays primarily on the right side of the ice from the center to the boards, which the left wing mirrors; they will only rarely cross the center to each other's side. When play is in the offensive zone, the wings go into the zone. Their main objectives are keeping the puck in the zone, distracting and wearing out the opposing defense and goaltender, and to create and take scoring opportunities. When in the defensive zone they hang back, closer to the blue line and near the opposing team's defensemen. The wings watch for chances to take the puck and resume offensive play.
The center plays primarily in the middle of the ice and is the player in charge of face-offs (when the puck is dropped.) They usually act as the leader of their line of players and must be able to strategize and play flexibly. When on the offensive the center works with the wings and plays throughout the zone including the sides played by the wings. In particular the center plays behind the net and in the slot (the area in front of the net.) When on the defensive the center defends the team's slot from the opposing forwards. Because centers have offensive and defensive roles they must be able to skate quickly, both to carry the puck up the ice and to quickly backcheck.
The Defensemen
The defense consists of two defensemen, one right and one left. During offensive play the defensemen place themselves along the blueline that marks the beginning of the zone and keep the puck in the zone and prevent opposing players from breaking down the ice if the other team gains control of the puck. Some defensemen are more aggressive and may move forward and take shots on net. During defensive play the defensemen work to impede the opposing forwards' strategies by minimizing shooting opportunities, getting in the way of passes, and keeping the forwards out of the slot and the goaltender's field of vision.
The Goaltender
Goaltenders play almost solely in the blue semi circle in front of the net (the crease) and their purpose is to keep the puck from entering the net. They wear specialized equipment that is much bulkier than the other players' both for safety reasons and to better stop shots on the net. If a goaltender keeps hold of the puck, play halts and a face-off occurs. If a goaltender receives a penalty, a teammate serves the time in the penalty box as a proxy.
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