Centre (ice hockey)

Centre or Center in hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexibility in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player. Centres are ideally faster skaters who can backcheck quickly from deep in the opposing zone.

Notable centres

• Sidney Crosby
• Peter Forsberg
• Ron Francis
• Cammi Granato
• Wayne Gretzky
• Mario Lemieux
• Mark Messier
• Hayley Wickenheiser