Deciding on a position

[Ashtasticness 89]

I'm in my second season and this whole time I've been playing right wing. I want to try different positions but am interested in finding out what would be a good fit before I do so. What are important qualities necessary for different positions? Not looking for any "try them and see where you fit" answers. I'd like to get more background info before investing time. 

[mc88 160]

That's an incredibly loaded question without a simple answer. It's a personal preference that is partly based on how astute you are with skating, systems (if playing higher level hockey), your desire to SCORE or perhaps a desire to PREVENT SCORING, and hockey sense (knowing where to be, when to be there, and how to execute in under a second). The best solution is to just try before you buy. Play some pick up games and try different positions. Each position will have it's advantages/disadvantages.

For example (the below is a GENERAL summation of the position's duties and expectations, and should NOT be taken as a ridged guideline or task list -- as with the game, it varies):

Center -- will usually play full ice: Down-low, in front of the net, hash marks and up-high, and will usually be the most versatile player on the ice (expected to play two-way hockey); expect to be both on the offensive rush AND on the defensive back-checking. Expect to be anywhere and everywhere to support your wings and your defense, and on top of it all, win face-offs. 

Wings -- will usually play low in the offensive zone and high in the defensive zone; expect to create an offensive rush out of your defensive zone AND be quick enough to re-join the rush AND have the stamina to keep your feet moving to create passing lanes and scoring opportunities AND sacrifice your body to flying pucks and body crushing checks.  There will be less pressure about back-checking, since you'll primarily be covering their defense that, more often than not, lag behind the offensive rush, but you'll still be expected to back up your defense if one of them decides to take the puck deep into the offensive zone.

Defense -- will usually play high in the offensive zone and low in the defensive zone; expect to be the best skaters on the ice with exceptional situational awareness, because you'll have to cover side-to-side and up-and-down... all while skating backwards, in sync with your defensive mate, AND while maintaining a calm demeanor while an offense rush charges at you with a head of steam! Expect to have cat-like reflexes, since the play and/or the puck can change direction on a dime.

Goalie -- simply put, you are the last line of defense. Wins or losses, most of the time, are the direct result of your play. The world is on your shoulders: You play like crap and your team-mates will most likely lose or, reversely, if your team-mates play like crap, you carry the entire team on your back. Pressure cooker with all eyes on you. You suck and you get booed by the fans. You play great and they'll be chanting your nickname.

 

Within these categories are "player-types" that may completely disregard the above. For example, "Offensive-defensemen" or "enforcer" or "grinder" or "play maker" or "sniper"...etc.

 

I played right wing for about 10 years and for the past 4 years, I've played left wing. I prefer left wing because of my style of play and how I like to take shots. Again, it's personal preference.

[IPv6Freely 2096]

Hard to beat mc88s detailed answer so I won't even try. I will say though that center should probably be the best skaters on the team (and if you're in a beer league, I'd also suggest these guys should have the best stamina as well).

A big factor for me was face-offs. I love taking them. So that leads me to desire to play center when I skate out, though im not the best skater.

[Harkonnen87 10]

Only things I could add to the good overview mc88 gave is

Center: needs to be able to understand the play as it develops and if  one of the D men pinch or join the rush the center is more than likely going to need to be the one filling that position until the defenseman recovers.

Defenseman: Needs to talk to their partner so both them don't get caught out of position, who has which opposing player, or directing the backchecking forwards (hopefully) where they need to be.  Also it's nice to score goals but if you try playing this position work on your passing more.  A well placed stretch pass or just a smart passing play can break down opposing defenses very well. 

[Chadd 916]

Being able to see the play before it happens is a great skill for any player to have, but it is a requirement for any good defenseman or center. A lot of people will put their best skaters at center, when their ability isn't as important as their awareness. You can get away with hiding a lower skill player on the wing, but you can't do it on defense for very long without being exposed and giving up chances. Learn how to play all of the positions and the one you end up liking may come as a surprise to you ,