Backchecking

Often refers to a forward who hustles back to his own defensive zone to check the opposition.

Backhand

A pass or shot that is released from the backside of the blade of ones stick. This shot originally got its name because the shooter had his back to the net or the direction he was shooting at. Before the use of the curved blade, the backhand was a much more deadly weapon in a players arsenal, because the player had more control.

Backliner

A defenseman.

Backup Goalie

A team has a primary goalie that is used more often. In the 1964-65 it became a rule that each team had to have a fully equipped goalie on the bench at all times. Prior to that if the main goalie was injured it would take too much time for the team to dress a replacement goalie. The back up goalie will be used if the main goalie is hurt or needs some time off.

Banana Blade

Early in the 1960's, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita popularized the use of the curved blade. In those days, the curve was much more severe than it is today. The maximum allowable curve on today's sticks is ½".

Bandy

A type of hockey originated in the late 1800's played in Northern Europe. It is still played today.

Beantown

A slang word referring to Boston, Massachusetts

Beantowners

A slang term that refers to the Boston Bruins. The city of Boston is often referred to as Beantown, hence the name Beantowners.

Beehive Photographs

The St Lawrence Starch Company produced several products; the best known was Beehive Golden Corn Syrup. Hockey fans could collect labels from those products and send away for photographs of their favorite hockey players. Today those pictures can be worth well over $20.00 and some can be worth much more depending on the player.

Bench Boss

A coach

Bench Minor

A two-minute penalty assessed against a team for an infraction committed by a player or coach on the bench. The two most common infractions are too many men on the ice and unsportsmanlike conduct. A player, other than the goalie, who was on the ice when the infraction occurred, must serve the penalty.

Between the Pipes

The position the goalie takes up when he is in net.

Biscuit

The puck

Blade (Skates)

The sharpened runners on a players skates.

Blade (Stick)

The curved or straight portion of the bottom of the stick used to shot or pass the puck with.

Blazing Speed

A descriptive term referring to someone who is a fast skater.

Blue, blanc et rouge

The term used to refer to the Montreal Canadiens. Translated it is blue, white and red, the team colors of the Montreal team.

Blocked Shot

A shot that is prevented from reaching the goal by a player other than the goalie.

Blocker

The glove that the goalie holds his stick with. This padded glove got its name due to the large rectangular insert that is used to block shots with.

Blue and White

Just one of the many nicknames for the Toronto Maple Leafs. See also Buds

Blue line

A line approximately 60 feet from the end boards at each end of the ice. The zone where your goalie is, is called the defensive zone, your opponents end is called the attack or offensive zone. The area between each blue line is called the neutral zone.

Blueliner

A defenseman

Boarding

The violent act of hitting an opponent into the boards, most often occurring when the opponent is hit from behind. The referee may hand out a 2-minute penalty.

Boards

The structure surrounding the ice surface. Originally the boards were made of wood, hence their name. Many of today's rinks use fiberglass instead.

Bodychecking

Using ones body to affect the progress of your opponent. This may be a simple as bumping the opponent to a bone jarring head on collision.

Bonuses

Payments that are part of a players contract. Payments of such bonuses are paid on the player or team attaining certain milestones, such as number of goals, winning percentages etc.

Bootheel

One of the first slang terms for the puck.

Box (formation)

A rectangular formation of four players taken in their defending zone when that team is shorthanded. The object of the formation is to keep the opposing players outside of the box, therefore making scoring more difficult.

Box (penalty)

Short form for penalty box.

Breakaway

A player who comes in on a goalie with out the assist of his teammates or being impeded by the opposition. See also in alone.

Breakout

Moving the puck out of the defensive zone into the neutral or attacking zone. There are several preset plays that teams adopt which they will use depending on the situation.

Broadway Blueshirts

Nickname for the New York Rangers.

Brouhaha

Slang for a fight or pushing match. See altercation

Bush League

An insult directed at someone who commits a low level or amateur play.

Butt end (stick)

The taped end of the stick opposite the blade. The butt end helps the player retain control of his stick and is taped to the player's preference.

Butt end (act)

The act of jabbing the butt end of your stick into an opponent. One of the more serious and dirty plays in hockey, punishable by a 2 minute penalty.

Butterfly

A goaltending style that allows the goalie to drop to his knees and keeps his feet slightly apart.