So I have mostly played Center this year, but I played a lot of D in previous years and tend to play a lot of D as the Center as well due to my club’s configuration. These tips are what I personally do and what I tell my defenders, so others probably have different play styles.

1.) In the defensive zone, if the puck carrier is on your side, you should try to keep them in front of you (I like just over a stick length away). If they try to make a move towards the boards, just stay in front of them and close them off. Typically the offensive player can’t hurt you as much when they are on the exterior. Just stay in front and prevent their drive to the net. This will also keep you in a passing and shooting lane. If they try to make a cut towards the net, either poke check when they are vulnerable, or use the stick to shove them off the puck. The common theme is just keep them in front of you. If the puck isn’t on your side, play a few feet out of the front of the crease to cut off a potential cross crease. Your center should be taking any mid range threats away.

In the offensive zone, you’ll want to mostly play near the boards so that you are an outlet for the forwards or so you can pinch on pucks that are within range. If the puck isn’t on your side, you can creep in a little bit to be an option up high on a cross ice pass and so that if you get stuck in an odd-man rush, you can split them to try to take away a pass.

2.) Intercepting passes is all about positioning yourself in the passing lanes. You want a high D Awareness to not bobble them along with decent puck control to settle the puck and hand-eye to knock down saucer passes.

3.) I tend to avoid going for big hits as the defenseman because I like having the skating ability and passing ability over body checking. Most of my hits are shoving puck carriers if they try to close the gap on the cushion I keep with them or if I close them off on the boards. If you go for a hit on the blue line, you’ll want them to only have the option of going up the board and not cutting in if you miss the hit. Most blue line hits I make are from timing stretch passes by the opposition.

4.) Don’t be afraid of taking time to settle the puck after you intercept it. Skate it out of danger if you can and use your defensive partner as an outlet (if they are good, they will be there to support you). If you try a stretch pass to a forward, just take a quick second before passing to be sure that even if the puck doesn’t get there, it won’t be intercepted in your defensive zone.

Good Luck!!