Winger (ice hockey) facts for kids

A winger in hockey is a player who plays on the sides of the ice rink. They are a type of forward player. Wingers usually work closely with the centre forward.

This position got its name because these players used to skate mostly up and down the sides, or "wings," of the rink. Today, wingers have different jobs. Some are great at scoring goals, while others focus on helping their team stop the other team from scoring.

What is a Winger's Role?

Wingers play on either side of the centre player. They often skate along the edges of the playing area. Their main goal is to help the team score goals. They also help defend their own net.

Wingers need to be fast and good at handling the puck. They often shoot the puck or pass it to teammates. They also help block shots from the other team.

Left Wingers and Right Wingers

The name of a winger depends on which side of the rink they play on. A player who usually stays to the left of the centre is called a left winger. A player who plays on the right side is called a right winger.

This helps everyone on the team know where each player should be. It makes it easier to work together during the game.

Different Kinds of Wingers

Not all wingers play the same way. Some wingers are known for scoring lots of goals. They are often called "goal-scoring wingers." They have powerful shots and are good at finding open spaces.

Other wingers are better at defense. They help protect their team's net. These "defensive wingers" might block shots or stop opponents from getting good chances to score. They are very important for a strong team.

Images for kids

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  Jaromír Jágr is one of the best wingers ever. He scored more points than almost anyone in NHL history.

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  This picture shows where a winger might stand when their team is defending.