Forward (ice hockey)

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

An ice hockey forward is a player whose main job is to score and create chances. Each line has three forwards: left wing, center, and right wing. The center often leads attacks and takes faceoffs, while the wingers support from the sides and look for scoring chances. Forwards spread across three lanes to keep space and options, and a common tactic is the triangle, where passes move the puck around to open shots for the goalie to react to. They also cycle the puck back to the defencemen at the blue line to start shots from the point and keep offensive pressure.

Defensively, forwards back up the defense, chase opponents, and press during transitions to disrupt plays. In their own zone they cover opponents, block passing lanes, and help protect the net; the center often guards the slot and helps clear rebounds. Two-way forwards are valued for playing well at both ends, quickly switching between offense and defense, killing penalties, or protecting a lead.