Except
when a player or players have been sent to the penalty box and are
playing shorthanded, each hockey team has six players on the ice at all
times. There are three main positions in hockey: goalies, forwards and
defensemen.
Forwards
The forwards play in a 3-person line comprised of a left wing, center, and a right wing. They are responsible for the majority of goals, but also play defense when the opposing team is in their end of the ice.
Defense
The two defensive players play behind the forwards on either side and are responsible for helping defend the goal. The defensive players, however, can still assist on goals or score themselves.
Goaltender/Goalie
The
goalie defends the goal and rarely leaves the net, except near the end
of the game when his or her team is losing and is replaced by an
offensive player, leaving the net unguarded.
