Face offs

[Norm 0]

I've joined a men's league and its my first actual organized hockey. The guys are on the team are great and they're always giving me advice on the ice. If you're ever at the Vineland NJ Ice Arena on a Friday night and hear someone yelling "Hey Big New Guy!!!" that's me. :D

But in the heat of over 30 battle its tough to get the big picture. So while I have a chance to relax, could someone please explain exactly where I (the LW) should stand during faceoffs? It seems like there are 9 different places that they can occur: in our zone, just outside of our zone, in their zone, just outside of their zone, to the left and to the right of the ice for each, and at center ice. Is there a general rule that I can follow?

Thanks!!

PS: I'm loving the league. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me!!

[zingbergeur 0]

Different centers might want you in different places (depending on the situation, what way they are going with the draw, what hand they are, etc.). So, ask your centerman where he wants you. You can do this real quick before the draw, or in the lockerroom. Eventually, you'll remember and hopefully see why he wants you where he does. If you don't immediately see a reason for where he tells you to go, ask him about it on the bench or in the lockerroom later. If you play on a regular line, it shouldn't take too long to remember where to be in each situation.

[ChrisGass9909 0]

when i play center i always want my left winger always on the left side breaking in the circle to help get the puck if it gets tied up, but i also of course also want my RW all the way over near the boards, beacuse i can win it backhand all the way over to that side so it depends of centers preference

[donkey87 0]

Talk to your center, he'll tell you where he wants you to be.

[sdh 0]

if you are playing in a starter league, your center might not know either!

there aren't really any hard rules (maybe a couple), but there are some tips that help you do more with that situation ...

when you are in the defensive end, the most important responsibility is covering the points if your team loses the draw. to achieve this you want to get as close to them as the ref will allow you (technically you can't pass the hash mark closest to your goal).

if the face-off is on your goalie's right (so you are near center ice as LW), you will line up behind the hash mark and beside your defenseman. your defensement will help win the draw or defend the net, so he is closer to the face-off dot. your job is to rush out to the other teams defenseman on your side to prevent them from receiving a pass or shooting. so, line up to give yourself a clear shot at him.

if the face-off is on your goalie's left (so you are against the boards), then you will line up behind the hash marks. if your center loses the draw clean, get to the point and block the shot. if the puck is tied up under the centers, get in and help win it back to your defense.

in the offensive end, you want to either get to the net or help win the face-off.

if the face-off is on their goalie's left (so you are near center ice as LW), then you want to line up so you can get to the net quickly for a shot, deflection, or rebound.

if the face-off is on the goalie's right, then your job is to help win the face-off back to your defensemen on the point. You can also stay close to their winger so he doesn't have an easy sprint to your defensemen (but don't get called for interference). otherwise, get to open space for a pass, deflection, or rebound (just left of the net is a good spot).

other face-offs are not so special. Just line up in a way that helps your team win the draw and get the puck to your team.

oh, forgot to add ... welcome to the best sport ever! what took you so long? :)

[Rustybender 0]

in the offensive end, you want to either get to the net or help win the face-off.

if the face-off is on their goalie's left (so you are near center ice as LW), then you want to line up so you can get to the net quickly for a shot, deflection, or rebound.

if the face-off is on the goalie's right, then your job is to help win the face-off back to your defensemen on the point. You can also stay close to their winger so he doesn't have an easy sprint to your defensemen (but don't get called for interference). otherwise, get to open space for a pass, deflection, or rebound (just left of the net is a good spot).

Playing left wing, we do things a bit different when the face-off is on the goalies right. I stand at the edge of the circle, behind our center either to his left or right (depending which way he likes to pull the draw.) He'll useually fine tune exactly where he wants me to stand. If he wins the draw clean I get a quick shot on goal. If it's not a clean I help out. Then either shoot or get it to the point. If he looses the draw I'm back far enough to help out on backchecking.

[sonsplayhockey 0]

sdh I think has it right for your level of play.

Make it simple.

Always line up on the left of your center. In front of the RW of your opponent. Face the puck.

Only exception as sdh mentions is when puck in on the right faceoff dot in your zone. Then line up just outside the LD who should now be in your normal spot. On the face off, jump to cover the opponent RD at the point. (did they mention your job with the puck in your zone is to cover that D at the point?)

As long as you are right in the face of your opponent, your probably ok. Ref will tell you if you or they are too close to the center on the face off when the puck is say on a dot just over the blue line.

If the puck comes to you behind your center, don't be afraid to pass it right to your D man quickly (unless they are a duffer).

[EBondo 232]

Ahhh Vineland...nice rink