Slot (ice hockey)

In hockey, the slot is the area on the hockey rink directly ahead of the goaltender between the faceoff circles on each side. It is sometimes referred to as the "scoring area".

The Slot in Hockey

The "deep" or "high" slot refers to the area from the top of the circles, farthest from the goaltender, to the end of the slot at the hash marks. The distinction of where the deep slot begins is contentious. In general, it is the defenceman's responsibility to guard offensive players in the slot, while the offside winger covers offensive players in the deep slot. Because the deep slot is protected by an offensively minded winger and not a defenceman, forwards will often hover in the deep slot waiting for an opportunity to move towards the net for a scoring opportunity.