defenceman
Goal-preventing skater
A defenceman is a player in ice hockey or lacrosse positioned to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
In hockey, two defencemen typically play alongside three forwards, forming the defensive pair that guards the zone in front of their goaltender: The defenceman blocked the shot.
The spelling defenseman is standard in American English.
Hockey defensive player
- puckHockey's rubber projectile
- slapshotForceful hockey strike
- checkOrder to pay
- bodycheckDeliberate physical contact
rink · skates · jersey · NHL · draft · playoffs · overtime · assist
One who safeguards others
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- stalwartUnwavering loyal supporter
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
reliable · steady · stay-at-home · two-way · shutdown · workhorse · veteran · captain
Offensive zone pressure tactic
- backcheckPursuing puck carrier rearward
- powerplayAsserting dominance strategically
- penalty killPlaying down one skater
- poke checkJabbing steal on ice
clearing · outlet pass · first pass · box formation · pressure · support · communication · reads
Resilient durability under strain
- physicalityBodily, material quality
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- hittingMaking forceful contact
fighting · deterrent · retaliation · bruiser · heavyweight · scrapper · aggression · presence
Hockey zone boundary
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- pinchingSqueezing tightly between fingers
- breakoutSudden escape from restraint
- transitionChange from one state
shot blocking · screening · coverage · passing lanes · neutral zone · offensive zone · pairing · minutes
blueliner
Hockey defensive player
bodycheck · rink · skates · jersey · NHL · draft · playoffs · overtime · assist · goalie
protector
One who safeguards others
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- stalwartUnwavering loyal supporter
backbone · reliable · steady · stay-at-home · two-way · shutdown · workhorse · veteran · captain · alternate
forecheck
Offensive zone pressure tactic
- backcheckPursuing puck carrier rearward
- powerplayAsserting dominance strategically
- penalty killPlaying down one skater
poke check · clearing · outlet pass · first pass · box formation · pressure · support · communication · reads · anticipation
toughness
Resilient durability under strain
- physicalityBodily, material quality
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
hitting · fighting · deterrent · retaliation · bruiser · heavyweight · scrapper · aggression · presence · punishing
blue line
Hockey zone boundary
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- pinchingSqueezing tightly between fingers
- breakoutSudden escape from restraint
transition · shot blocking · screening · coverage · passing lanes · neutral zone · offensive zone · pairing · minutes · ice time