playing center

[habcanuck]

hey my friends have made me start playin hockey
well, im already ok at puck handlin and stuff but they put me at center and i just dont know what im supposed to do..can i pleez get a little help?
thanx

[TourDragon91]

5 on 5.......Should be back checking hard and stay on the third man in your defensive zone...Move the puck to the wings and work hard in front of the net....I guess thats ok?

[chandler27]

5 on 5 depends on the offensive and defensive scheme. 4 on 4, there really isn't a center, unless you're going 3 forwards 1 Defenseman. But either way, it's the forward's responsibility to cover the opposing Defenseman and/or 3rd man going deep into the offensive zone.

On face-offs, the centerman's responsibility is to win the draw and/or tie up the opposing centerman. Depending on where the draw is taken, it may be the centerman's job to rush out and cover the Defenseman as well.

If you're new to the game, keep it simple. Get open so you're Defenseman can get the puck out of the zone. Then look for your wingers in the offensive zone. Back check, but try and keep some position. And most of all, have fun. It's about fun.