Hockey is a fast-paced, exciting sport that requires skill, strategy, and quick thinking. Riddles that involve hockey terms and rules are a great way to challenge your brain and test your hockey IQ. Below are 43 clever hockey riddles with answers covering players, positions, equipment, penalties, and more. Some may be easy to solve for an avid hockey fan, while others may have you scratching your head!
Hockey Player Riddles
Riddle #1
I’m sometimes called a pivot or centerman, controlling the action from the middle of the ice. Who am I?
Answer: The center.
Riddle #2
We patrol the blue line to keep the puck in the offensive zone. We like booming slapshots from the point. Who are we?
Answer: Defensemen.
Riddle #3
I roam the ice, ready to unleash my wicked wrist shot. I crash the net looking for rebounds and tip-ins. Who am I?
Answer: A winger.
Riddle #4
We enjoy coloring outside the lines. We pounce on loose pucks and drive hard to the net. We sometimes irritate, but excite the fans. Who are we?
Answer: The grinders or enforcers.
Goalie Riddles
Riddle #5
My job is to stop vulcanized rubber discs from entering a 4×6 foot opening behind me. Who am I?
Answer: The goaltender or goalie.
Riddle #6
Our equipment resembles battle armor with oversized pads and masks. Our reflexes must be quick to match the speed of a slap shot. Who are we?
Answer: Goalies.
Riddle #7
We are the last line of defense, using our bodies as a barricade. Our unconventional style can seem crazy. Who are we?
Answer: Goalies.
Equipment Riddles
Riddle #8
We protect goalies from injuries caused by pucks, sticks, and skate blades. What are we?
Answer: Pads.
Riddle #9
I cover a goalie’s face yet allow for visibility to see the puck. What am I?
Answer: A goalie mask.
Riddle #10
We guard a player’s shins from pucks, errant sticks, and collisions along the boards. What are we?
Answer: Shin guards.
Riddle #11
I guard a goalie’s neck and collar from sharp skate blades. What am I?
Answer: A neck guard.
Riddle #12
Skaters carve the ice with me yet my surface remains smooth. What am I?
Answer: Skate blades.
Arena and Position Riddles
Riddle #13
We circle the rink hoping to maintain possession of the puck. What are we?
Answer: The zones.
Riddle #14
My designation depends on which goal I am defending. What am I?
Answer: The blue line.
Riddle #15
I separate the offense from the defense. Players must stay on their proper side of me. What am I?
Answer: The blue line.
Riddle #16
Centers and wingers roam this area hunting for goals. Defensemen patrol here looking to regain the puck. What is it?
Answer: The neutral zone.
Riddle #17
Wingers invade here seeking to score. Defensemen protect it at all costs. What is it?
Answer: The offensive zone.
Riddle #18
Forwards retreat here to help out on defense. They work to move the play out of this area. What is it?
Answer: The defensive zone.
Riddle #19
My view of the ice is unobstructed yet I am confined to a small crease. What position am I?
Answer: The goalie.
Game Play Riddles
Riddle #20
We try to slip the puck past defenders. We attack with speed, seeking to go bar down. What are we?
Answer: Forward lines.
Riddle #21
My purpose is to set up goals. I reward those skating to open ice. What am I?
Answer: An assist.
Riddle #22
I result from driving the puck across the goal line. I excite players and fans alike. What am I?
Answer: A goal.
Riddle #23
You score when you do this with the puck. Forwards love crossing me. What am I?
Answer: The goal line.
Riddle #24
My surface is divided into zones by extra markings. Special rules govern play in some areas. What am I?
Answer: The ice rink.
Riddle #25
Players compete here to entertain cheering fans. Our surface is coated with a frozen sheet of water. What are we?
Answer: A hockey arena or ice rink.
Rule Riddles
Riddle #26
I result in a faceoff when players on opposing teams commit me at the same time. What am I?
Answer: An infraction or penalty.
Riddle #27
Officials will blow the play dead and impose me after rule violations. Teams may lose possession of the puck when I occurs. What am I?
Answer: A penalty or penalty call.
Riddle #28
Attempting deception or unfair manipulation of the rules may lead to one of these. What is it?
Answer: A penalty.
Riddle #29
Throw, shoot, or kick me into the stands and you may serve time in the box. What am I?
Answer: The puck.
Riddle #30
Mishandle me in the corner and you may be called for this. What am I?
Answer: The puck.
Riddle #31
I send rule breakers to feel shame while seated here. What am I?
Answer: The penalty box.
Riddle #32
Slow me down and you could be called for this unsportsmanlike conduct foul. What am I?
Answer: The game.
Penalty Type Riddles
Riddle #33
Do this on a breakaway and you may get an automatic this or penalty shot. What am I?
Answer: Tripping.
Riddle #34
Make contact with an opponent’s head and expect one of these.
Answer: A penalty.
Riddle #35
I’m called if you use your stick or body to impede someone without possession of the puck. What am I?
Answer: Interference.
Riddle #36
Hit an opponent from behind into the boards and I will likely be called. What am I?
Answer: Boarding.
Riddle #37
A reckless swing of the stick toward another player may result in this being called. What is it?
Answer: Slashing.
Riddle #38
I’m called if you use your hand to bat the puck above shoulder height. What am I?
Answer: High sticking.
Riddle #39
Aim a slash at the hands of an opponent and expect this additional penalty. What is it?
Answer: A match penalty for intent to injure.
Unique Hockey Terms
Riddle #40
Fail to score on one of these during regulation and you may have to endure prolonged overtime. What is it?
Answer: A power play opportunity.
Riddle #41
Clear this area in front of your net or pay the price from screens, deflections, or rebounds. What is it?
Answer: The crease.
Riddle #42
Players you love to hate often play this position. What is it?
Answer: The enforcer or goon.
Riddle #43
Firing rubber at me can lead to injuries or equipment damage yet fans may call for me. What am I?
Answer: The goal post.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed testing your hockey knowledge with these 43 hockey riddles and their answers. Hockey features unique players, equipment, rules, locations, penalties and terminology that all make for challenging and fun brainteasers. Trying to solve riddles helps improve critical thinking skills, mental stimulation, and memory. So grab a hot chocolate, throw on your favorite jersey, and try solving these hockey riddles for some off-ice fun! Let the games begin!
