HOCKEY VOCABULARY
Use this guide to communicate with your teammates on the ice. Each term below can be used by the following players:
Any Teammate: Means any player on the ice can call out an option.
Defense Partner: Denotes calls most commonly used between "D" partners.
Support Player: Usually the closest player to the puck carrier, but not always.
Goalie: Goalie specific calls. Should be very talkative. Best view of ice.
All Alone
Any TeammateLets teammate with the puck, entering the offensive zone, know that they do not have any support and are out-numbered. Player will then need to create time to wait for support or put the puck in deep.
Back
Support PlayerLets puck carrier know that you are behind them and open for a drop pass or trailer play.
Back Door
Any TeammateCalled out in defensive zone alerting teammates that there is or will be an uncovered opposing player at the net's far post.
Boards
Support PlayerCall to teammate with puck to move the puck by either using the boards as a pass or to clear or enter a zone.
Bump
Support PlayerSupport player trailing puck carrier asking for backwards pass using the boards.
Chip
Support PlayerSupport player wants a short pass past defender for them to chase down (area pass), either through the middle of the ice or using the boards.
Clear
Any TeammateMeans defensive zone teammate, nearest the puck, should move puck quickly out of high scoring area (to the boards, behind the net, corner or out of the zone).
Counter
Defense Partner / GoalieDefensive player, skating behind the net with puck, should pass the puck back behind the net to teammate (usually performed by defensive partners or on occasion, the center).
Deep / Dump
Support PlayerLets puck carrier know that best option is to throw the puck into the offensive zone, usually to the corners below the goal line.
Drive
Support PlayerUsually used during a 2on2 or 2on1 offensive rush and support player is covered.
Drop
Support PlayerSupport player plans to cross or stay behind puck carrier asking for a potential drop pass.
Far Side
Support PlayerLets puck carrier know that support is on the opposite side of the rink, usually called out in neutral and offensive zone, but can be used in defensive zone asking for a rim pass.
Feet / Under
Any TeammateWhen teammate has lost sight of the puck and it's below them or in their feet.
Floater / Behind
Any TeammateLets defensemen know that an opposing player is behind them in the neutral zone, either coming off the opposing team's bench or penalty box.
Ice It
Any TeammateCall to nearest player or puck carrier that the puck HAS to be cleared, ideally iced for a face-off.
Middle
Support PlayerLets puck carrier know that support is in the middle of the ice open for a pass.
One On / Two On
Any TeammateLets a teammate, who is chasing down a puck in their defensive zone, know how many opposing players are moving to forecheck and pressure them.
Rim
Any TeammateCalling for a pass that uses the lower part of the boards around the corners. Can be called in both defensive and offensive zones.
Screen
GoalieYelled by goalies if they cannot see the puck. Teammates need to move or move opposing players out of the sightlines of the goalie and puck.