A
A letter worn on the uniform of the alternate captain.
Assist
A point awarded to a player for helping to set up a goal, usually
the last two players (other than the goalscorer) to handle the
ball prior to the goal.
Backcheck
Legal attempt by forwards on their way back to their defensive
zone to regain control of the ball by covering an opponent who
might receive a pass and score.
Backhand
Although not commonly used, it is an effective shot employing a
backward sweeping motion, with the ball shot from the opposite
side of normal delivery. It is used more often when there is no
time to shift the ball to the natural shooting side.
Boarding
To ride or drive an opponent into the boards. It is illegal.
Breakaway
A scoring opportunity where no opponent is bewteen the ball
carrier and the opposition's goal, except the goaltender.
Butt Ending
To hit an opponent with the end of the stick farthest from the
blade. It is illegal.
C
A letter worn on the uniform of the team captain.
Charging
If more than 3 steps are taken before checking an opponent. It is
illegal. (note: there is no checking in the RSHL)
Crease
The 5' x 8' rectangular areas in front of each goal.
Curved Sticks
Many players put a slight curve on the blade of their sticks which
decreases ball control, but increases shot velocity.
Deke
A ball carrier's fake when stickhandling their way around an
opponent, or in making the goaltender move first on a goal
opportunity.
Drop Pass
When the ball carrier drops the ball behind himself to be picked
up by a trailing teammate.
Face Off
The dropping of the ball between one player of each team.
Fore Checking
Checking the opponent in their own zone. A technique used to
contain the opposition in their own end and create a turnover of
possession.
Freezing The Ball
Pinning the ball against the boards with either the foot or the
stick.
Hat Trick
Three goals scored by a player in one game.
Headmanning
Passing the ball ahead of a leading teammate.
Interference
To hinder or restrain a player not immedately involved in playing
the ball. It is illegal and calls for a penalty.
Misconduct Penalty
A penalty for an act of disrespect towards a referee.
Penalty Box
An area where penalized players serve their time.
Penalty Killing
The attempt by a team shorthanded (due to a penalty) to keep the
opposition from scoring.
Penalty Shot
A free shot on a tended net is awarded to a player who was
illegally disrupted on a breakaway attempt.
Point
A position on the rink just inside the opposition's line and close
to the boards on either side of the rink. The attacking defensemen
usually take the point positions when their team is in control of
the ball in the opposition's zone.
Poke Checking
Dislodging the ball from the ball carrier by stabbing or swatting
at it with the blade of the stick. It is legal.
Power Play
When one team has more players on the rink than the other due to a
penalty to the other team.
Pulling A Goalie
A team that is losing will sometimes remove their goaltender from
the rink in favor of another forward in the final seconds of a
contest, or on a delayed penalty.
Referee's Crease
The 6' by 12' square in front of the scorer table. This area is
known as a sanctuary from all players when he talks to the
officials, where he reports his final decision on a goal or
penalty.
Screen Shot
A shot on goal when one or more players are between the shooter
and the goal, thus blocking the goaltender's view of the shot.
Slap Shot
The fastest traveling shot in which a player brings the stick
back, then quickly slaps the ball in the forehand motion.
Slot
The area directly in front of the nets, between the two faceoff
circles; the area from which most goals are scored.
Smothering The Ball
When the goaltender or a player falls on the ball and covers it up.
Splitting The Defense
When the ball carrier runs between the two opposing defensemen
with the ball, usually resulting in a scoring opportunity for the
ball carrier.
Stick Handling
Carrying the ball along the rink with the stick.
Sweep Check
To use the entire length of the stick in a sweeping motion while
laying flat on the rink in order to dislodge the ball from the
ball carrier. It is legal.
Texas Hat Trick
Four goals scored by a player in one game.
Wrist Shot
Propelling the ball off the forehand of the stick with a
wrist-flicking motion.
