What is a Pick in Hockey?

Understanding the ‘Pick’ Term in Ice Hockey

Ah, the ice hockey world—where the rink becomes a second home, and the vocabulary can sometimes feel like a foreign language. Before having to turn to the person next to you asking, What is a Pick in Hockey? Read on….because as you unravel its nuances you can cheer (or groan) with full understanding during your child’s next game – or your next NHL game. Before having to turn to the person next to you asking, What is a Pick in Hockey? Read on….

I thought a pick only had to be in the NHL Draft. However, a pick is different in the context of what is considered a minor penalty – and when it is not!

What Exactly Is a ‘Pick’ in Hockey?

In the simplest terms, a “pick” in Hockey is when a player positions themselves to block or impede an opponent, aiming to create space or an advantage for their respective teammate. Think of it as setting a screen in Basketball (a legal block) but on the ice. The goal is to disrupt the opposing player’s path, allowing a teammate to maneuver more freely – and gain the edge.

It is important to remember in Hockey, every player without the puck still has the right to ice, (and the right to party) be on the ice.   They are just a dude skating without a puck and they have the right to skate and the right to ice.  So, this means they are entitled to occupy their space on the rink. 

This entitlement forms the foundation of understanding legal and illegal picks.

Right to Ice Explained with an Example

Let’s break this down…imagine a winger skating hard toward the blue line during a breakout play. 

They see an opponent barreling toward their teammate, the center, who is carrying the puck up the ice. 

The winger decides to slow down and hold their position near the boards, essentially blocking the path of the pursuing defender. 

This act of holding position is legal as long as the winger doesn’t actively move into the defender’s lane or initiate contact. The winger exercises their right to the ice by holding a spot they’ve already established on the rnk.

Now, let’s contrast this with an illegal example. Suppose the winger deliberately skates into the defender’s path instead of holding their position, forcing them to slow down or collide. In this case, the action would be penalized as interference because the winger is intentionally impeding a player who does not have the puck.

Why This Matters in Gameplay

The right to ice emphasizes that players can assert their presence strategically without overstepping into interference territory. 

Legal picks capitalize on spatial awareness, teaching players to anticipate movement and think two steps ahead without crossing the line into a penalty. 

It’s a subtle but powerful tactic in hockey, especially when executed cleanly to open lanes or protect puck carriers.

By understanding the nuances of picks and the right to ice, players can incorporate this strategy into their play while adhering to the rules. 

Coaches often emphasize this skill to teach players how to influence the game without risking unnecessary whistles from the officials.

Legal vs. Illegal Picks: The Fine Line

The distinction between a legal and illegal pick hinges on timing and positioning:

• Legal Pick: If a player establishes their position without moving into the path of an oncoming opponent and doesn’t initiate contact, it’s typically considered legal. Essentially, they’re holding their ground, and any collision is incidental.
• Illegal Pick: When a player actively moves into the path of an opponent, especially without the puck, and impedes their progress, it’s deemed illegal. This action falls under the “interference” penalty in hockey. According to the NHL Rulebook, interference is defined as “impeding the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.”

Why Does This Matter for Our Young Players?

Understanding the rules around picks is crucial for developing players. It teaches them the importance of positioning, awareness, and playing within the rules. Plus, it helps prevent unnecessary penalties that can disadvantage the team.  

What’s the Penalty for a Pick Inference

We knew you were wondering!  

Per the USA Hockey Website:

Rule 625 | Interference

“(Note) Interference is defined as when a player uses their body (“pick” or “block”) to impede the progress of an opponent (non-puck carrier) with no effort to play the puck, maintain normal foot speed or maintain an established skating lane.

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed for interference.”

Safety First: The Parent’s Perspective

As parents, our primary concern is the safety of our children on the ice. Illegal picks can lead to unexpected collisions, increasing the risk of injury. Educating our young athletes about the rules not only makes them better players but also keeps them safer.

Educating them on the right of a non puck skater can also keep them out of the penalty box. 

Conclusion

The “pick” is a strategic element in hockey that, when used correctly, can be a strategic art to the hockey system. 

By understanding the difference between legal and illegal picks, we can better appreciate the game’s intricacies and guide our children to play smart, safe, and within the rules. 

So, next time you’re rink-side, you’ll know exactly what’s happening when the ref blows the whistle for interference—and you can explain it to the puzzled parent next to you! You are such a Hockey smartypants!

​References:

• Hockey Arsenal. (n.d.). Ice hockey pick pays. Substack. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://hockeysarsenal.substack.com/p/ice-hockey-pick-plays
• The Hockey Writers. (n.d.). Hockey 101: Interference and goalie interference. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://thehockeywriters.com/hockey-101-interference-and-goalie-interference/