Players

Each team has six players on the ice, five “skaters” and one netminder.
The five “skaters” have assigned positions: three forwards and two defensemen.

Netminder – Their job is to prevent the ice hockey puck from entering their net.
Defence Players (left & right) – They are tasked with stopping the opposing forwards when their team does not have possession of the puck and providing offensive support when the team does have possession.
Forward Centre – Responsible for taking faceoffs (the way play starts and restarts after a goal) to regain possession and covering the centre of the ice at both ends of the rink.
Forward (left & right wing) – The wingers are responsible for play along the sides of the rink. They have some defensive responsibilities but are primarily relied upon as goal scorers.

Player Substitutions
Substitutions are unlimited and can be made at any time.
A substitution does not require an official’s permission, or a stoppage in play.
A player can join the game “on the fly” – during the flow of play – as long as the departing player is within five feet of the bench and not involved in the play or with an opponent.