Defenceman facts for kids

Defence (or defense in the U.S.) in ice hockey is a very important player position. The main job of a defenceman is to stop the other team from scoring goals. These players are often called defencemen or defensemen. You might also hear them called D or "blueliners."

The name "blueliners" comes from the blue line on the ice. This line marks the start of the attacking zone. Defencemen usually stay near this line. They help keep the puck in the attacking zone. They also make sure the other team doesn't get past them easily.

What is a Defenceman's Role?

A defenceman's main job is to protect their own net. They try to block shots from the other team. They also try to stop opponents from getting close to their goaltender. It's a tough job that needs a lot of skill.

Playing on the Ice

In a regular game, two defencemen play at the same time. They play with three forwards and one goaltender. So, there are five players plus the goalie on the ice for each team.

Sometimes, the number of players changes. This happens during overtime or when a team is shorthanded. A team becomes shorthanded if one of their players gets a penalty. In these cases, two defencemen usually play with only two forwards. The goaltender is still there. This makes it harder for the shorthanded team.

Key Skills for Defencemen

Defencemen need many skills to be good. They must be strong skaters. They also need to be good at handling the puck. Being able to pass the puck accurately is very important. They also need to be good at checking opponents. This means using their body to separate the opponent from the puck.

Another key skill is seeing the whole ice. Defencemen need to know where everyone is. This helps them make smart plays. It also helps them stop the other team's attacks.

Offensive Contributions

While their main job is defence, defencemen also help with scoring. They often take shots from the blue line. These shots can be very powerful. They can also set up goals for their forwards. Some defencemen are known for their scoring ability. They are called "offensive defencemen."

Ray Bourque is a famous example. He was one of the highest-scoring defencemen in NHL history. He showed that defencemen can be great at both defence and offence.

Images for kids

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  Ray Bourque, one of the highest-scoring defencemen in NHL history.

See also

In Spanish: Defensa (hockey sobre hielo) para niños