Locations
There are several key locations to take note of when watching an ice hockey game:
Center Ice
Center ice is the area on the rink between the blue lines. If you get lost, look for the red line located at the center of the rink. A team's logo will also usually be present at center ice.
Left Wing (Location)
The left wing refers to the left side of the ice based on the direction of play. The left wing also refers to a player position on an ice hockey team, which we learn about in future chapters.
Right Wing (Location)
The right wing is the right side of the the ice based on the direction of play. The right wing also refers to a player position on an ice hockey team, which we learn about in future chapters.
Attacking Zone
We've already learned about the blue lines on the rink. The blue lines divide the three (3) zones on the ice. The attacking zone, also known as the offensive zone, is the zone that the team with possession of the puck is trying to score a goal in.
REMEMBER: The attacking zone and the defensive zone are based on the direction of play. One team's attacking zone is the other team's defensive zone.
Defensive Zone
Like the attacking zone, the defensive zone is the zone where a team is trying to defend against a score in their goal.
REMEMBER: The defensive zone and the attacking zone are based on the direction of play. One team's defensive zone is the other team's attacking zone.
Neutral Zone
Between the blue lines is a zone called the neutral zone. It is where both teams transition between the attacking zone and defensive zone. The neutral zone includes center ice.
The Slot
The slot is the location between the two face-off circles on either end of rink directly in front of the goal cage.
The Point
The point is the location just outside the face-off circles close to the boards in the attacking zone.
