Centre (ice hockey)
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Centre or Center in hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexability in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player. Centres are ideally faster skaters who can backcheck quickly from deep in the opposing zone.
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Offensive Zone Play
Centres position themselves in front or behind the net.
Front of net positioning If the defence has the puck, the Centre should use the opportunity to screen the goalie. A shot can then be taken by the Defence and the Centre can step out of the way or deflect it with his or her stick.
The centre can also use front of the net positioning to draw a penalty (cause the opposing team to get a penalty). This is done by standing firmly in front of the net. Because the opposing defence's job is to remove players from the front of the net, they may get frustrated with the Centre's perseverance and become too aggressive in removeing him or her, leading to their penalty call. Caution: Centres should stay out of the goal crease otherwise they may get the penalty.
back of the net positioning When a Centre's Winger is being attacked along the boards, the Centre can position him/herself behind the net. Once he or she receives a pass behind the net, he or she can make a quick pass to a waiting Winger in front of the net. The Centre can also look for a pinching defencemen to pass to.
Neutral Zone Play
During a rush, if the Winger carries the puck towards the Centre, the Centre should replace that Winger's position and expect a pass. This causes confusion for the opposing players. If the Centre is rushing up the ice with the puck he or she should initiate the crossover by heading towards a winger's side.
Defensive Zone Play
Centres position themselves in front or behind their net.
While in the defensive zone, Centres play deep and are expected to help his or her defencemen along the boards. Centres are the extra player in the defensive zone; one who picks up any opposing player who is left open in front of the net or along the back boards. Once the Centre acquires the puck deep in his or her zone he or she should look for their winger waiting on the boards. Give and go!
Back Checking
Centres should always be prepared for a quick breakout by the opposing team. The Centre is expected to be deepest in the offensive zone but first of the Forwards to backcheck. On the backcheck, the Centre should take the first opposing player not covered (usually "the third man back").
Faceoffs
It is the Centre's job to take faceoffs (referee drops the puck between two opposing players to commence play). A Centre should look at the spot where the puck will be dropped. Using his or her peripheral vision, he or she should swiftly sweep the puck back to their Defence. It is very important for the Centre to tie up (hold/block temporarily) his/her opposing Centre immediatly after the faceoff is won or lost. Otherwise the opposing Centre can join a rush or create a scoring chance.