Positions Explained

One of the most common beginner questions is: “What position should I play?”

The good news: there’s no wrong answer. Every position teaches important skills, and most players try more than one when starting out.

Center (C)

The center is the leader on the ice and usually takes faceoffs.

Main jobs:

Easy way to think about it:
The center is like a point guard in basketball — they control the flow of the game.

Beginner note:
Centers require more skating and awareness, so many beginners start on wing first.

Plays on the right side of the ice and focuses mainly on offense.

Main jobs:

Good to know:

Beginner tip:
If you’re new and not sure where to start, wing is usually the best option.

Plays on the left side of the ice and focuses mainly on offense.

Main jobs:

Left wings usually play near the boards and use speed to move the puck up the ice.

Easy way to think about it:
Like a shooting guard in basketball — looks for chances to score but still helps the team.

Beginner note:
Left wing is one of the best positions for beginners because it’s simpler and doesn’t require leading the play.

Plays near your own net and focuses on defense first.

Main jobs:

Easy way to think about it:
Like a power forward in basketball — strong, physical, and protects the paint.

Beginner note:
Defense can be harder at first, but it’s great for players who like reading the play and staying calm.

Plays on the right side of the ice and works with left defense.

Main jobs:

Easy way to think about it:
Like a secondary defender — always backing up the play and making smart decisions.

Beginner note:
Right defense is a good spot for players who like passing and seeing the whole ice.