APPENDIX i
Stoppage and Start of Play – Foundations of Full Ice Gameplay
Stoppage and Start of Play – Foundations of Full-Ice Gameplay
The foundation of full ice game play is proper positioning at the start of the game and after every whistle.
Each faceoff should be looked at as an opportunity to gain possession of the puck.
Full Ice Faceoff Locations
Depending on the scenario, a faceoff can happen at one (1) of nine (9) marked spots on the ice. The referee
will determine the proper drop location and players will setup accordingly.
Neutral Zone Faceoff Positioning
Below is the typical alignment for a faceoff at Centre Ice.
Offensive zone Faceoff Alignment/Goal
In general, players in the offensive zone line up in a similar fashion as outlined above in the neutral zone,
with the wingers outside of the circle, defensemen behind the wingers (in front of the blue line) and the
centreman in the middle.
Defensive Zone Faceoff Alignment/Goal
When lining up for a defensive zone draw, players should be aligned in a way to cover all bases should they
lose initial possession. In the diagram below, each player has the responsibility to cover or attack one (1) of
the players on offense.
Player Responsibility (Defensive Zone Faceoff) – Each player has a specific responsibility in basic
defensive zone faceoffs. Based on the above diagram (positions are flipped for a faceoff on the other side):
Centre – Attempts to win the draw and gain possession to either defender. Should the player lose the draw
their priority should be tying up the opposition centre.
Left Defense – Reacts to puck position after the draw with a specific focus on covering the right winger.
Should the puck go to the right or left opposing defender, they should shadow the right winger and ensure
the net front is clear with sticks tied up.
Right Defense – Reacts to puck position after the draw with a specific focus on the left winger. Should the
puck go to the right or left opposing defender, they should shadow the left winger and ensure the net front
is clear with sticks tied up.
Left Winger – Reacts to puck position after the draw with specific focus right defender. In the image above,
they are positioned below their own right defender. If the faceoff is lost, and the puck is sent to the opposing
right defender it is their job to get in the shooting lane and disrupt the play. It is important that players don’t
leave the zone before their team has puck possession. If the puck goes to the left defender, the left winger
is charged with patrolling the high slot area (shading left).
Right Winger – Reacts to puck position after the draw with specific focus on the left defender. In the image
above they are positioned parallel to their right defender. If the faceoff is lost, and the puck is sent to the
opposing left defender it is their job to get in the shooting lane and disrupt the play. It is important that players
don’t leave the zone before their team has puck possession. If the puck goes to the right defender, the right
winger is charged patrolling the high slot area (shading right).
Stoppage and Start of Play Drills
Name: Neutral Zone Setup
Description
• Players are put into the standard position for a neutral zone faceoff.
• They are explained the scenario(s) when these faceoffs may occur (start of game/period, after a goal,
etc.).
• Coach drops the puck and players compete until a goal is scored or until a play causing a stoppage
occurs.
Key Teaching Points
• Ensure players are in the correct positions.
• Discuss assignments for each player should the draw be won or lost.
Progression Idea
• Defending players cannot ice the puck and, if the puck comes outside the zone, players must stay
onside upon re-entry.
Name: Offensive/Defensive Zone Setup
Description
• Players are put into the standard position for an in-zone faceoff.
• They are explained the scenario(s) when these faceoffs may occur (penalty, icing, goalie stoppage,
etc.).
• Coach drops the puck and players compete until a goal is scored or until a play causing a stoppage
occurs.
Key Teaching Points
• Ensure players are in the correct positions.
• Discuss assignments for each player should the draw be won or lost.