Communication

Communication is nearly as important as any other skill on the ice. In this day and age, everyone is using a composite stick and they all sound the same, but each person has their own unique voice. While VERY important for goalies, the below communication tips are useful for all players to know, understand, and be able to use so we can work together more effectively.

1 on, 2 on, 3 on…

This is used to identify how much pressure a player has and is most often used when going after a loose puck. It is often used in a doubled up manner (“one on, one on”) to convey urgency and make sure it is heard.

On, on, on…

This is used for tight or continuous pressure, particularly after a turn over or when a player is trying to skate the puck out of the zone. The rapid call indicates immediate urgency and that a player is right on them and they need to either eat the puck and call for help, or make a play sooner than later.

2 split, 3 split

This is most commonly used after a puck has been dumped into the zone and 2 players (or 3) have split on the fore check to each side of the net. Depending on the angle of pressure, you may have a great lane to break out with a curling center over forcing to the D, but you need to be heads up. Again, the cadence indicates the urgency of the play, with a single call being the most common.

Time, easy

Time is used when a player has a reasonable amount of time to settle in and make a decision on the best play. Easy – typically associated with number of players – is used when their is light pressure.

Behind or Round

This indicates that the puck is either going behind the net or is going to rim around the boards. Often a goalie will use this call first to help wingers get shifted when the puck switches sides, and second to help indicate that they may be switching from post to post as the puck moves. This is usually a single call.

Help, one help, help slot, help back side, etc.

This is used to indicate that a player needs help covering a player or digging out of a jam up.

Screen

Used by goalies to let players know they cannot see or track the puck properly to make a save. Rarely if ever will a goalie on one of my teams be blamed for allowing a goal on a screen shot, particularly if they yelled screen.

Up

This can be confused with the next call. Up is typically used to indicate the puck is in the air.

Up & out

This is used to indicate that the puck needs to move “up and out” of the zone either by passing or by putting it “up” off the glass. This can be for any time the team is stuck in the mid zone and we need out NOW or if there is an opportunity to for a fast break type of play.

Body, feet, under, etc.

These are used when the puck is stuck in someone’s body after a block, or if a player loses the puck in their feet to help them (or others) locate it. Calls like “under” can be useful for helping goalies locate a puck in a scramble. Please note that if you add left or right it needs to be relative to the goalie/skater you’re talking to not you – if you’re facing them, your right is not their right. 🙂

Turn

Used when the player loses the puck and it is behind or near them but they don’t see it. You can try to use directionals (right, left, behind) but in the quick pace of the game it is not always understood. Please note that if you add left or right it needs to be relative to the goalie/skater you’re talking to not you – if you’re facing them, your right is not their right. 🙂

Turn Up, Turn & go

This is used when needing to carry the puck up ice in a hurry, and is most commonly used during power play situations or dump ins on line changes where you can gain possession quickly and move up ice quickly.

Even, slapping of goalie stick

This indicates a penalty is up and/or a player is leaving the penalty box.

Kill, Kill, Kill

While this sounds bad, it’s it the easiest thing to yell when you’re team is transitioning from a 4v4 situation to a penalty kill.

Empty net

Obviously this is to indicate the opponent has pulled their goalie.

Tie it up/Use the clock

Tie it up means to get the puck to the boards and control time and space while shielding the puck from the opponent. Use the clock is a similar reference meaning to not force plays, tie up the puck, and have a smart possession. In both cases, this is used in the waning minute of play, usually when you’re ahead or tied and don’t need/want to take the chance on creating an opportunity for the opponent.

Goalie icing indicator

When the ref signals for an icing, the goalie should raise their catch glove hand. Remain in position and ready for a bad bounce or for an opponent to beat your teammate to a puck, but also indicate that icing is a possibility. If it’s close, you can leave your arm down and see how things play out.

Goalie left/right pressure indicators

Goalies can use their arms (pointing left or right) to help indicate where there is openings either for the breaking out D or for others to get to an open space. A goalie can also put both hands in front in sort of a “settle down” motion to indicate that a player has a little time to settle down and make a choice of plays. This requires a significant understanding of how your teammates play and reading your opponent, but when you get it, it can really help generate flow and quick-ups.