BEING A CENTER IN HOCKEY

In hockey there are many positions that you could play which are: left and right wing, center and left and right defenceman. Although there are many positions (the five I've just named) I'd like to tell you about probably the most important one, center. Hopefully by reading the next paragraphs you will understand more about the game of hockey and of course the center position.

The game of hockey is a fast one and as a center it is vital that you have speed. When you watch a hockey game at a high level you can see just how fast the centers are. Sure it's great if you have speed but still it is important to have other components that I will tell you about. One of them is covering your man, this is very important because hockey is a two way game (offence and defence). Center is even more demanding defensively than any other forward position. Centers are required to always be watching and analysing the play, seeing where there's an opening and covering this spot.

Usually centers are very good with the puck and must be able to set up the wingers for goals. A good example of the perfect center is Wayne Gretzky, he would get so many assists and he would score goals as well. He is said to be the greatest center who ever lived. Some people may not enjoy playing center because it's a lot of work, but trust me being a center myself it's a lot of fun. It requires finesse and the job of the center is to be able to set up the wingers. That's why you usually end up seeing centers getting more assists than goals. Don't worry, an assist is just as good as a goal, they both count as one point.

Playing the position of a center isn't for everybody but just in case you're interested in playing hockey, I recommend playing center. Anybody can enjoy this position and you never know you could become the next Wayne Gretzky. Hockey is a really fun game, but it's a lot of work. The position is very rewarding, and trust me after making a great pass or scoring a goal or even stopping an opponent, there's nothing that makes you feel better.

Mike's hockey quiz

1. What is the vitality of being a center? = .....Mike sez--->

2. How many postions are there (other than goalie)? =
(A) 3
(B) 5
(C) 7
.....Mike sez--->

3. Who's the *perfect* center ? : ...Mike sez--->

Created by and last updated on: April 11th, 2000 by Michael

Click here for more about hockey!