End Boards Meaning in Ice Hockey

End boards in ice hockey refer to the solid walls located behind each goal line. These boards form the back boundary of the rink. Players often use the end boards to control puck movement strategically. The puck rebounds quickly when it strikes these boards. Defensemen frequently send the puck around the end boards to clear pressure. Forwards chase pucks that wrap along the boards behind the net. Physical contact often occurs near this area during battles. During a power play, a defenseman rims the puck around the end boards. A teammate collects the puck on the opposite side. Players angle shots carefully to create rebounds off the boards. Goalies track puck movement behind the net to anticipate plays.