Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport, and if you want to talk like the pros, you need to know the right jargon. The language of hockey can seem confusing at first, but once you understand the terms, you’ll be able to keep up with the conversation on the ice.
Here are 15 common words and phrases used in hockey, along with what they mean and how they’re used in practice.
Table of Contents
1. Chirp
What it means:
“Chirp” is when a player talks trash or makes fun of an opponent to get into their head or mess with their focus. It’s all part of the mental game.
In Practice:
Imagine a player skating past an opponent and saying something like, “You missed that pass, didn’t you?” It’s all in good fun (most of the time), but it can get under the skin of the other player and mess with their game.
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Gordie Howe Hat Trick
What it means:
A Gordie Howe Hat Trick refers to when a player scores a goal, gets an assist, and records a fight all in the same game. It’s named after the legendary Gordie Howe, who was known for his all-around play and toughness.
In Practice:
During a game, a player might score a goal, assist on another, and then drop the gloves for a fight, earning the title of a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. It’s a rare and impressive feat!
Celly
What it means:
“Celly” is short for “celebration.” It’s how a player celebrates after scoring a goal.
In Practice:
After scoring a goal, a player might raise their arms in the air, skate around, or do a little dance to celebrate the moment. The more creative the celly, the better!
Dangle
What it means:
A “dangle” is when a player uses skillful stick handling to get past an opponent.
In Practice:
A player might skate towards a defender, making quick moves with the puck to “dangle” it around the defender’s stick, leaving them behind with a flashy move.
Top Shelf
What it means:
“Top Shelf” refers to the upper part of the net, just under the crossbar. It’s a tough place to score a goal, but a great shot will find its way there.
In Practice:
A player might take a quick shot and aim for the “top shelf,” trying to score above the goalie’s shoulders and out of reach.
Backcheck
What it means:
Backchecking is when a player skates back toward their goal to defend against the opposing team’s offense.
In Practice:
After a turnover, the player quickly skates back to help their defense, stopping any opposing players from getting a good shot on goal.
Five Hole
What it means:
The “Five Hole” is the space between the goalie’s legs. If you can get the puck through there, it’s a great way to score.
In Practice:
A shooter might try to slip the puck through the goalie’s legs for a quick goal, aiming for that tricky five-hole spot.
Enforcer
What it means:
An enforcer is a tough player who is known for protecting teammates and dealing with players who are too rough or dirty.
In Practice:
When another team player hits your teammate too hard, the enforcer steps in to make sure they know that it’s not okay, often by dropping the gloves and starting a fight.
Puck Bunny
What it means:
A puck bunny is a term (often used playfully) for a fan, usually a woman, who is a big fan of the players or the sport but doesn’t necessarily follow the game closely.
In Pratice:
A player might jokingly refer to someone as a “puck bunny” if they notice a fan who is more interested in the players than the actual game.
Power Play
What it means:
A power play occurs when one team has more players on the ice than the other because of a penalty. It’s a great chance to score.
In Practice:
When an opponent gets penalized, your team gets a power play. The goal is to pass the puck around quickly and find a good shot on goal while the other team is short-handed.
Snipe
What it means:
A “snipe” is a perfect, accurate shot that goes into the top corners of the net, making it nearly impossible for the goalie to stop.
In Practice:
A player takes a wrist shot from a distance and places it right in the top corner of the net—no chance for the goalie to block it. That’s a snipe!
Bender
What it means:
“Bender” is a playful insult used to describe a player whose skating skills aren’t very good. It refers to someone who bends their knees too much while skating.
In Practice:
If a player is struggling to skate smoothly and looks awkward on the ice, teammates might jokingly call them a “bender.”
The Puck is in Deep
What it means:
This phrase means the puck is deep in the opponent’s zone, typically near the opponent’s goal.
In Practice:
When the puck is “in deep,” your team has put pressure on the opponent by keeping the puck close to their goal, increasing the chances of a scoring opportunity.
No Look Pass
What it means:
A no-look pass is when a player passes the puck to a teammate without looking directly at them. It’s a skillful and sneaky way to make a play.
In Practice:
A player might skate one way and pass the puck to their teammate without looking, confusing the opposing team and making the pass more difficult to defend.
Biscuit
What it means:
In hockey, the puck is often referred to as a “biscuit,” usually when a goal is scored.
In Practice:
When a player scores, you might hear a teammate say, “That’s a nice biscuit in the basket!” celebrating the goal.
Conclusion
Hockey is a game full of action, strategy, and excitement, and understanding the lingo is a big part of being a true fan or player. Whether you’re chirping a rival, making a slick dangle, or celebrating a goal with a celly, using the right words will make you sound like you’ve been on the ice for years. So, remember these terms next time you watch or play hockey, and talk like the pros!
FAQ’s
What does “dangle” mean in hockey?
“Dangle” refers to a skillful move where a player uses their stick to evade an opponent, making them look foolish in the process.
What is a Gordie Howe Hat Trick?
It’s when a player scores a goal, gets an assist, and fights all in one game.
What’s a no-look pass?
A no-look pass is when a player passes the puck to a teammate without looking at them, tricking the opposing team.
