What Does A Center Do In Hockey?

Hockey, often hailed as the fastest sport on ice, is a thrilling symphony of skill, strategy, and teamwork.

While every player on the ice has a unique role to play, none are as pivotal to the game’s flow as the enigmatic centers.

What does a center do in hockey?

In hockey, centers facilitate offensive plays, win faceoffs, provide defensive support, and orchestrate cohesive teamwork on both ends of the ice.

What Does A Center Do In Hockey?

In hockey, a “center” refers to a position played by a skater on the ice. The center is one of the three forward positions, along with left wing and right wing. The center is typically positioned in the middle of the ice, between the two wings.

The 6 primary responsibilities of a center include:

1. Faceoffs
   • A center is responsible for taking faceoffs at the beginning of play, after stoppages in play, and at various points during the game. A faceoff is a method of starting or resuming play, where the puck is dropped between two opposing players, and the goal is to gain possession of the puck for their team.
2. Playmaking
   • A center often acts as the playmaker on the team. They are skilled at passing the puck to their teammates to set up scoring opportunities. Centers are usually skilled at reading the game, anticipating plays, and making accurate passes to create offensive chances.
3. Defensive Responsibilities
   • A center also has defensive responsibilities. They need to backcheck (skate back into the defensive zone to help defend against the opponent’s attack), support their defensemen, and help maintain a strong defensive presence in their own zone.
4. Transition Game
   • A center plays a crucial role in transitioning the puck from defense to offense. They are responsible for receiving passes from the defensemen and initiating controlled breakouts to move the puck up the ice.
5. Scoring
   • While not all centers are known for scoring goals, many have the ability to contribute offensively. Some centers have strong shooting skills and can score goals, while others are more focused on setting up their teammates for goals.
6. Special Teams
   • A center often plays key roles on both the power play (when their team has an advantage due to an opponent’s penalty) and penalty kill (when their team is shorthanded due to a penalty). A center may be tasked with winning faceoffs and maintaining possession of the puck during these critical situations.

Overall, a center is a versatile player who is involved in various aspects of the game, both offensively and defensively. They play a central role in controlling the flow of play and facilitating both scoring opportunities and defensive strategies for their team.

Do Centers Score A Lot In Hockey?

Centers in hockey can certainly score a significant number of goals and points, but their scoring ability can vary widely based on their skill level, playing style, and the team’s strategy.

Centers are typically positioned at the center of the ice and play a key role in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.

Some centers are known for their offensive prowess and have a knack for scoring goals and creating scoring opportunities for their teammates. These centers often have strong puck-handling skills, excellent vision, and a good understanding of the game. They can be top goal scorers and point producers for their teams.

In fact, 5 of the top 10 scorers in the 2023 NHL season were listed as centers. They include:

1. Connor McDavid
2. Leon Draisaitl
3. Nathan MacKinnon
4. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
5. Elias Petterson

However, there are also centers who are more focused on their defensive responsibilities and playmaking. They might not score as many goals themselves but excel at setting up their teammates for goals and contributing to the overall flow of the game.

Overall, centers can be significant contributors to a team’s scoring, but the level of their scoring output varies from player to player and depends on their role within the team’s system.

How Do You Become A Better Center In Hockey?

Becoming a good center in hockey requires a combination of skill development, an understanding of the game, physical fitness, and a strong work ethic. Here are 9 steps to help you become a successful center:

1. Develop Fundamental Skills
   • Work on your skating
     • Skating is fundamental to being a center. Focus on improving your speed, agility, and balance on the ice.
   • Puck handling
     • Develop your ability to control and manipulate the puck. Practice stickhandling drills to improve your touch and control.
2. Improve Passing and Shooting
   • Passing
     • Develop accurate and quick passing skills. Practice different types of passes, including saucer passes, cross-ice passes, and one-touch passes.
   • Shooting
     • Work on your shooting accuracy and power. Practice mainly wrist shots and snapshots from various positions on the ice.
3. Enhance Hockey IQ
   • Study the game
     • Watch professional games and analyze how centers like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl position themselves, read the play, and make decisions.
   • Understand systems
     • Learn about offensive and defensive systems, including power plays, penalty kills, defensive zone support, and breakouts to understand your role within the team structure.
4. Faceoffs
   • Centers are responsible for taking faceoffs. Practice your faceoff techniques to gain an advantage at the start of plays. Centers that are good at faceoffs are greatly valued.
5. Physical Conditioning
   • Centers require cardiovascular endurance and strength. Incorporate off-ice training, including weightlifting and cardio workouts to stay in peak physical condition.
6. Play Both Ends
   • Centers need to be strong defensively as well. Develop your ability to backcheck, support in your defensive zone, and contribute to penalty killing.
7. Communication
   • Good centers communicate effectively with teammates. Provide clear instructions on the ice, call for passes, and support your linemates.
8. Mental Toughness
   • Hockey can be physically and mentally demanding. Develop mental resilience, focus, and the ability to handle pressure situations.
9. Practice and Dedication
   • Consistent practice is key. Work on your skills regularly, both on and off the ice. Dedication and hard work will contribute to your improvement over time.