Top 20 Slang For Hockey Player – Meaning & Usage

Hockey players are a unique breed with their own language and culture. From chirping to dangles, they have a slang all their own. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to get into the sport, this listicle is a must-read to brush up on your hockey lingo and understand the conversations happening on and off the ice. Get ready to talk the talk and impress your fellow fans with our comprehensive guide to the top slang for hockey players.

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1. Apple

In hockey, an “apple” refers to an assist, which is when a player passes the puck to a teammate who then scores a goal. The term “apple” is derived from the abbreviation “A” for assist.

For example, “He made a beautiful pass to his teammate, who buried it in the net for the goal. That’s an apple for him.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “The centerman has been racking up the apples tonight, setting up his linemates for goals.”
A fan might tweet, “Love seeing my favorite player get rewarded with an apple for his playmaking skills.”

2. Bar down

When a player shoots the puck and it hits the crossbar before going into the net, it is referred to as “bar down.” This is considered a skillful and impressive shot.

For instance, “He took a shot from the slot and went bar down, giving his team the lead.”
A commentator might say, “That was a perfectly placed shot, bar down, and the goalie had no chance.”
Fans might chant, “Bar down! Bar down!” after a player scores a goal with this type of shot.

3. Barn

In hockey slang, a “barn” is another term for an arena or hockey rink. It is often used to describe the location where a game or practice takes place.

For example, “The team is heading to the barn for their morning skate.”
A player might say, “I love playing in this barn, the atmosphere is always electric.”
Fans might discuss the upcoming game and say, “Let’s pack the barn tonight and show our support for the team!”

4. Barnburner

A “barnburner” refers to a hockey game that is fast-paced, action-packed, and high-scoring. It is used to describe a thrilling and entertaining game.

For instance, “The game ended with a score of 7-6 in overtime. It was a real barnburner.”
A commentator might say, “Both teams are playing at a high level tonight. This game is shaping up to be a barnburner.”
Fans might tweet, “What a barnburner of a game! I can’t believe the back-and-forth action.”

5. Bender

In hockey slang, a “bender” refers to a player who engages in excessive partying or drinking off the ice. It is often used to describe a player who may not take their training or responsibilities seriously.

For example, “He used to be a promising player, but he became a bender and his performance suffered.”
A coach might say, “I won’t tolerate benders on this team. We need players who are committed and focused.”
Fans might discuss a player’s off-ice behavior and say, “He needs to clean up his act and stop being a bender if he wants to succeed in the NHL.”

6. Celly

This term refers to the act of celebrating a goal or a win. It is often used to describe the specific actions players take to celebrate, such as high-fiving teammates, jumping into the boards, or fist pumping.

For example, “After scoring a goal, the player did a celly by sliding on his knees and pumping his fists.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “That was a great celly by the team after they scored the game-winning goal.”
A fan might comment on social media, “I love watching the players’ creative cellies after they score.”

7. Cheese

This term is used to describe a goal that is scored in a particularly impressive or skillful manner. It refers to the idea that the goal was “cheesy” or “sneaky” because it was difficult for the goalie to stop.

For instance, “The player scored a beautiful cheese by deking out the goalie and shooting top shelf.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “That was some serious cheese on that shot. The goalie didn’t stand a chance.”
A fan might tweet, “Did you see that cheese? It was a highlight-reel goal!”

8. Chiclets

This term is slang for teeth and is often used to refer to missing or knocked out teeth, which are common injuries in hockey. It comes from the brand name “Chiclets,” which is a type of chewing gum that is small and white, resembling teeth.

For example, “After taking a hard hit, the player lost a few chiclets.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “He took a puck to the face and lost some chiclets. That’s going to require a trip to the dentist.”
A fan might comment on social media, “I can’t believe he kept playing after losing his chiclets!”

9. Chirp

This term refers to the act of taunting or insulting opponents, often through witty or clever remarks. It is a common practice among hockey players to try to get under their opponents’ skin and throw them off their game.

For instance, “The player is known for his ability to chirp his opponents and get them off their game.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “There’s a lot of chirping going on between these two teams. It’s getting heated out there.”
A fan might tweet, “The chirping between these teams is entertaining. They’re really getting into each other’s heads!”

10. Clapper

This term refers to a type of shot in hockey called a slap shot. It involves the player swinging their stick back and then forcefully striking the puck as it slides towards them. The resulting shot is powerful and often difficult for the goalie to stop.

For example, “The player scored a goal with a wicked clapper from the point.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “He has a deadly clapper. The goalie needs to be ready for that shot.”
A fan might comment on social media, “That clapper was a rocket! The goalie had no chance of stopping it.”

11. Sniper

A “sniper” is a hockey player who has exceptional accuracy and scoring ability. They have a knack for finding the back of the net and can score goals from various positions on the ice.

For example, “Alex Ovechkin is known as one of the best snipers in the NHL.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “That was a beautiful snipe by the sniper on that breakaway.”
A fan might exclaim, “We need our sniper to step up and score some goals tonight!”

12. Enforcer

An “enforcer” is a hockey player who is known for their physicality and willingness to engage in fights or protect their teammates. They are often responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining team unity.

For instance, “Bob Probert was one of the most feared enforcers in NHL history.”
After a big hit, a commentator might say, “That was a textbook play by the enforcer to set the tone.”
A fan might cheer, “Our enforcer is not afraid to drop the gloves and defend his teammates!”

13. Dangler

A “dangler” is a hockey player who has exceptional stickhandling skills and can deke past defenders with ease. They are known for their ability to maintain control of the puck and create scoring opportunities.

For example, “Patrick Kane is often referred to as one of the best danglers in the game.”
During a highlight reel goal, a commentator might say, “That was some incredible dangling by the player to beat three defenders.”
A fan might shout, “Our team needs a dangler who can create offense and make the opposing defensemen look silly!”

14. Blue-liner

A “blue-liner” is a hockey player who plays on the defensive side of the game and is responsible for protecting their team’s goal. They often play along the blue line, which is the boundary separating the offensive and defensive zones.

For instance, “Shea Weber is known for his powerful shot from the blue-liner position.”
During a game, a commentator might say, “The blue-liner made a great play to block that shot and prevent a goal.”
A fan might comment, “Our team needs a strong blue-liner who can shut down the opposing team’s top scorers!”

15. Netminder

A “netminder” is a hockey player who plays the position of goaltender. They are responsible for defending the net and preventing the opposing team from scoring goals. The term “netminder” emphasizes their role as the last line of defense.

For example, “Martin Brodeur is considered one of the greatest netminders in NHL history.”
After a spectacular save, a commentator might say, “The netminder robbed the opposing team of a sure goal with that diving save.”
A fan might chant, “Our netminder is standing on their head tonight, making save after save!”

16. Goon

A goon is a player whose primary role is to protect their teammates by engaging in physical play, often through fighting. Goons are known for their toughness and willingness to drop the gloves.

For example, “The team signed a goon to add some toughness to their lineup.”
During a heated game, a commentator might say, “Looks like the goons are about to have a showdown.”
A fan might shout, “Get the goon out there to send a message!”

17. Pylon

A pylon is a derogatory term used to describe a player who is slow, ineffective, or easily beaten on the ice. It implies that the player is as stationary and easy to skate past as a traffic cone.

For instance, “The defenseman was a pylon during that play.”
A frustrated fan might say, “Get that pylon off the ice, they’re costing us the game!”
During a broadcast, a commentator might criticize a player by saying, “He’s been a pylon all night, unable to keep up with the opposing forwards.”

18. Snipe show

A snipe show refers to a hockey player’s impressive display of accurate and skillful goal scoring. It often involves scoring goals from a distance or in tight spaces, showcasing precision and finesse.

For example, “That player put on a snipe show with three goals in the game.”
A commentator might say, “He’s been putting on a snipe show all season, leading the league in goals.”
A fan might exclaim, “Did you see that snipe show? What a goal!”

19. Flow

Flow refers to a hockey player’s long, flowing hair that is often seen sticking out of their helmet. It is a term used to describe a player’s stylish and noticeable hair.

For instance, “That player has some great flow, it’s flowing out of his helmet.”
A fan might compliment a player by saying, “His flow is on point, it’s like he’s flying on the ice.”
During a game, a commentator might mention a player’s flow by saying, “Look at that flow, it’s become his signature style.”

20. Sauce

Sauce refers to a hockey player’s accurate and skillful pass that is lifted off the ice, usually to avoid a defender’s stick. It is a term used to describe a saucer pass, which is a pass that has a slight arc and lands flat on the ice.

For example, “He sauced a perfect pass to his teammate for the goal.”
A commentator might say, “That saucer pass had some serious sauce on it, right on the tape.”
A fan might shout, “Give him some sauce, he’s wide open!”