Winger (ice Hockey) - Defensive Zone Play

Defensive Zone Play

The wingers' responsibilities in the defensive zone include the following:

• wait for a pass from their teammates
• intercept a pass to the opposing defenceman
• attack the opposing defencemen when they have the puck

Wingers should typically not:

• play deep in their zone
• help out their teammates along the boards

Wingers should be playing high in the zone, and always be vigilant for a breakout pass or a chance to chip the puck offside. When wingers receive a pass along the boards, they can exercise a number of options:

• Bank the puck off the boards or glass to get it out of the zone
• Redirect or softly pass the puck to a rushing forward
• Shoot the puck out to the center line to another forward who can either set up an attack, or dump the puck into the offensive zone to summon a line change
• Carry the puck themselves to attempt a breakaway or an odd man rush