When playing hockey, what does the center position do?

Answer by  keithh (42)

The center is an offensive position whose main job is to score goals. The wing passes to the center and the center tries to approach the goal and score. The center does the face-off at the start of each period.

Answer by  Brett (7986)

The center in hockey will take the faceoffs, and essentially, be the playmaker on the ice. He is responsible for trying to set up his two wingers (left and right), and also, defend the opposing center in his own zone when the puck is present. Scoring goals is also helpful.

Answer by  jg82 (96)

The center is the forward (offensive player) who is considered the playmaker during an offensive possession. He will position himself often in the middle of the ice, between the two wingers. The center essentially is responsible for trying to make an offensive scoring chance happen, by facilitating puck movement between the other players on the ice.

Answer by  John (9008)

A hockey center is a little bit like a point gaurd in basketball. His main job is to distribute the puck to the other plays, and try to make plays for everyone else. Obviously, just like a point gaurd, a center can also score and play defense. All positions (other than goalie) are a bit fluid in hockey, though.