A “Hard Around” is a common hockey play. It happens when a player hits the puck hard along the boards. This move sends the puck around the curved glass to the other side of the zone.
Why Players Use It
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It Is Safe: Passing through the middle of the ice is risky. Rimming the puck along the boards prevents turnovers in front of the net.
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It Beats Pressure: A defender under pressure can’t always make a clean pass. They “ring” the puck to a teammate waiting far away.
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It Clears the Zone: This speed helps the puck get past the opposing team at the blue line.
How It Works
Usually, the goalie stops a dump-in behind the net. The goalie leaves the puck for a teammate and yells “Hard around!” The defenseman then strikes the puck with force. On the other side, a winger must stop the puck with their skates or stick.
Note: Do not use this play every time. Opposing players will learn your habit. They will start to wait for the puck along the boards to steal it.
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