To play hockey you mush have 12 players in the game at any given time (six per team). The positions are three forwards, two defensemen and one goalie. Three forwards comprise one line consisting of a center (C), right wing (RW) and left wing (LW).
The center is typically the team’s quarterback. The center usually directs play in both the offensive and defensive zones. The center also sets up plays for his teammates to score goals in the opposing zone and takes most of the face-offs.
TThe wings or wingers play on the right or left side of the center. They cover their areas as the forward line enters and plays in the opposing zone.
TThe defenders usually play behind the forward line. This allows them to keep the puck in play in the opposing zone and keeps them in position to more easily defend their own goal when the play returns to their zone. There are two defensive positions, right defense and left defense.
TLike wingers, right and left defenders mainly cover their areas both in their opposing zone and their own zone. In their own zone, they stay close to the goal so that they can help defend the goal from the opposing team.
The goalie’s job is to stay in or near his goal area, which can be called the crease, and stop the other team from scoring. A goalie’s responsibility is to prevent the puck from entering the goal. He can kick it, catch it, grab it or bat it out of the way – just don’t let it go past the goal line. The goalie usually plays the entire game and rarely moves away from his crease.