Defensemen

Strategy, Tactics, & Habits

D-Zone

Net Front & "Boxing Out"

One defenseman always stays in front of the net. Your job there is to clear space so the goalie can see and stop the puck. Think basketball—use body position and balance to keep opponents out.

Behind the Net

Don’t chase behind. Stay between puck and net. If you find yourself back there, recover defensive positioning (between opponent & your net) fast.

Inside the Dots

Keep the middle clogged by pushing attackers wide when in 1:1's. Use the faceoff dots as your guide—protect inside lanes first. That’s where most dangerous chances happen.

Section Summary: "Protect the House"

The “house” is the area in front of our net, between the dots and up to the circles. Most goals are scored there—so protect it at all times.

D2: Box out
D1: Hold position → attack loose puck
C: Angle with strong defensive posture

Nuetral Zone

Setting the Gap

The gap is the space between you and the attacker. Keep it tight but smart: 3 stick lengths by their blue line, 2 by center ice, and 1 by our blue line. A good gap slows the attack and forces the puck carrier to make a decision before they reach our net.

Hinged Support

The weak-side defenseman plays the “hinge.” You are the valve—the deepest player back. Your job is to protect against breakaways and also be ready as an outlet if we get the puck. The hinge is what makes both defense and transition offense work in the neutral zone.

Recovering to the Dots

As the play comes through the neutral zone, get your feet inside the dots. This takes away the middle lanes and forces the attacker to the outside—the long road to our net.

D1: 3-stick gap, recovers to dots | D2: support valve—midline, slightly deeper, ready for defense or quick outlet.

Offensive Zone

Walking the Line

Move the puck off the wall and into the middle to shorten angles and create new offensive opportunities. Use the blueline as your guide—don’t rush forward. Think agility and speed like Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes: quick, smart, and controlled.

Managing the Blueline: Pinch, Hold, or Retreat?

Deciding when to pinch, hold, or retreat is tricky. Pinch on loose pucks or quick changes in direction before the opponents set up. Hold the line when you have support, and retreat when a breakout is forming. If retreating is the best option, get your feet inside the dots to take away the middle lanes.

Attacking

Offense is generated from every position on the ice. Walk the line, cycle high, or slash the slot when it’s safe. Take calculated risks, but always stay aware of the puck and your defensive positioning (Your Net <-- You <-- Puck) even in the offensive zone.

D1: Walk the line → create options

F1: Support with high cycle
D1: Makes read → shoot / pass / dump

Watch the Kraken defensemen in action. They communicate, keep d-side position and box out perfectly in front. Even if it looks like they’re struggling to gain possession, they are in the right position against a strong opponent.

Tactics

Communication: Defensemen work in pairs—talk, signal, and stay in sync. Most trouble is preventable when you and your partner are on the same page.
D-Side Positioning: Use your body to control angles. Whether holding the line in the offensive zone, retreating through the neutral zone, or protecting the house, positioning is everything.
Be Aggressive Offensively: Great defensemen are part of the offense. Look for safe opportunities to move the puck, join the cycle, or create scoring chances.

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