If you enjoy crossword puzzles, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the clue “method of starting play in ice hockey.” It’s one of those classic sports-related clues that appears across many crossword grids, from beginner puzzles to competitive ones. The beauty of this clue is that it bridges two worlds — the language of puzzles and the terminology of sports. The answer is short, direct, and elegant: FACE-OFF.
But while crossword solvers might be satisfied to fill in those seven squares, the real story behind this term runs deeper. In ice hockey, the “face-off” isn’t just a way to begin play — it’s a critical ritual of control, competition, and precision. Understanding how this term functions in the game itself reveals why it has become such a favourite of crossword makers everywhere.
The Crossword Clue Explained
When you encounter the clue “method of starting play in ice hockey,” the first instinct is to think of what actually begins the action on the rink. Unlike in many other sports — where a kick-off, tip-off, or serve starts play — ice hockey begins with something unique. The face-off.
Crossword setters love this clue for its simplicity and clarity. It asks for a method, and in hockey there is only one correct answer that fits both the literal and technical definition. The structure is predictable: often appearing as “(4,3)” or “(7)” in the grid, which represents FACE-OFF or FACEOFF.
For solvers, it’s an accessible clue. Even those who don’t follow ice hockey might have heard the term through sports broadcasts, video games, or even everyday metaphors. That familiarity makes the clue rewarding — it’s not too obscure, not too obvious, and sits perfectly in the sweet spot crossword compilers look for.
The Origin and Meaning of the Face-Off
A face-off is the official method used in ice hockey to start play at the beginning of a game, at the start of each period, and after any stoppage in play such as a goal, off-side, or icing.
Two opposing players, usually the team centres, crouch low and face each other. Between them stands an official, puck in hand. The players wait for the moment when the puck drops to the ice — that’s the instant when both attempt to gain possession for their team.
What follows in that split-second is one of the purest expressions of competition in sport. Each player’s reaction, timing, stick control, and body positioning determine whether the puck goes their way or not. For a moment, the entire game pivots on reflex and skill — all symbolized by the face-off.
The Procedure: How a Face-Off Works
In professional ice hockey, the rink contains nine designated face-off spots. One sits at centre ice, where play begins each period and after goals, while the other eight are distributed across the neutral and attacking zones.
Here’s how a typical face-off unfolds:
- Positioning the Players
Two players face each other with sticks on the ice, blades touching the surface. The rest of their teammates line up outside the face-off circle, waiting for the puck to drop. - The Drop
The official drops the puck straight down between the two opposing sticks. Timing is everything — the puck must hit the ice cleanly for play to begin fairly. - The Contest
Both players attempt to direct the puck to a teammate. Some try to push it backward for a controlled play, others swipe it forward to create quick offence. - Restarting Play
This process is used not just to start the game, but also to restart it after any stoppage — when the puck leaves the rink, a penalty is called, or a goal is scored.
The rules surrounding the face-off are surprisingly strict. A player who moves too early or fails to follow the correct stance can be ejected from the circle, replaced by a teammate. Officials pay close attention to ensure the face-off is fair and properly executed.
The Strategic Importance of the Face-Off
At first glance, the face-off may appear as a simple puck drop. But in reality, it’s a cornerstone of hockey strategy.
Winning a face-off means gaining immediate control of the puck. In the defensive zone, this can prevent a dangerous scoring chance. In the attacking zone, a won face-off can lead to a direct shot on goal within seconds. Teams even design specific plays around face-off situations — short, rehearsed maneuvers where players know exactly where the puck will go if their teammate wins it.
Great centres spend countless hours mastering the art of the face-off. They practice hand speed, reaction time, stick positioning, and body leverage. Some players become so skilled at it that they are subbed in specifically to take crucial draws in the final minutes of a close game.
This blend of physical skill, anticipation, and strategy makes the face-off more than just a restart. It’s an opening gambit — the chess move that dictates the flow of the next few seconds.
The Linguistic Appeal in Crosswords
The reason “FACE-OFF” works so beautifully as a crossword answer lies not only in its relevance to hockey, but also in its language. The phrase itself is vivid and active — two opponents “facing off” conjures instant imagery of confrontation and readiness.
Crossword setters love such compound words because they’re memorable, visually strong, and concise. They also work on multiple levels: while the literal meaning is tied to hockey, “face-off” has entered general English vocabulary to mean a confrontation or direct contest.
That linguistic versatility allows the clue to appear in different thematic puzzles — sometimes in a pure sports context, other times in a general puzzle with broader references to conflict or competition. It’s rare for a term to carry such clear meaning in both the specialized and general lexicon, which is why crossword creators return to it again and again.
How Sports Enrich Crossword Vocabulary
Crosswords have long borrowed from the world of sports. Terms like “kick-off,” “serve,” “goalie,” and “power play” frequently make appearances, not because solvers are expected to be athletes, but because sports provide rich, active verbs and nouns.
Sports language often captures the essence of action — short, sharp, and evocative. That’s gold for crossword compilers, who seek terms that are easy to clue and instantly recognizable.
In this way, “FACE-OFF” fits into a proud tradition of sports-derived crossword vocabulary. It’s precise, common, and unmistakably energetic. The clue “method of starting play in ice hockey” doesn’t need clever wordplay or misleading hints — its charm lies in its directness and accuracy.
Why This Clue Has Staying Power
There are many clues that come and go, but “method of starting play in ice hockey” has endured for decades. It persists because of three major factors:
- Consistency
The answer never changes. Unlike pop-culture references or slang, the face-off remains the official and only method for starting play in hockey. - Universality
While hockey may be most popular in certain regions, the sport has a global audience. The term has become part of mainstream vocabulary even in countries without professional leagues. - Simplicity
Crosswords thrive on clarity. The clue asks a straightforward question and the answer delivers an equally clear response. There’s elegance in that simplicity — a kind of linguistic balance that keeps it timeless.
Every great crossword clue has that mix of specificity and approachability. “Method of starting play in ice hockey” checks every box.
The Face-Off Beyond the Rink
Interestingly, “face-off” has evolved beyond the sport itself. In everyday speech, we use it to describe debates, rivalries, or competitions — a political face-off, a business face-off, or even a friendly challenge. This linguistic migration underscores the term’s power: it captures confrontation without hostility, structure without chaos.
That makes it appealing not just in sports writing, but in broader communication. It conveys both fairness and tension — the moment before the first move, when potential energy is at its highest.
Crossword creators, knowingly or not, tap into this same energy. By using “face-off,” they inject a sense of action and drama into their puzzles — even if only for a fleeting moment while you fill in those letters.
How to Remember It: A Solver’s Tip
If you’re an avid crossword solver, here’s an easy memory cue: whenever you see “method of starting play” tied to ice hockey, think of confrontation. Two players, one puck, and the moment that defines who controls the game. That mental image leads you straight to the right answer — FACE-OFF.
It’s also helpful to remember that this answer can appear in different formats depending on the crossword’s layout:
- FACEOFF (7 letters)
- FACE-OFF (with hyphen)
- FACE OFF (as 4,3 word pattern)
Recognizing those variations can save precious seconds in competitive solving.
Why Writers and Bloggers Love This Topic
For writers and bloggers, especially those covering language, sports, or entertainment, this clue offers an ideal intersection of two engaging worlds. It invites discussion not only about hockey but about how language from one field permeates another.
You can explore how sports shape everyday speech, how terms migrate into idioms, and how cultural familiarity influences what crossword clues feel “fair.” It’s also a great example of how a single phrase can connect two audiences — sports fans and puzzle enthusiasts — in a shared vocabulary.
That’s why writing about “method of starting play in ice hockey” isn’t just about explaining a crossword answer; it’s about celebrating how language travels, adapts, and unites different passions.
Conclusion
In the end, the crossword clue “method of starting play in ice hockey” captures more than a simple answer — it encapsulates a miniature world of sport, skill, and language. The solution FACE-OFF represents both the literal beginning of a hockey game and the metaphorical spark of competition.
It’s concise, dynamic, and enduring — everything a perfect crossword entry should be. And in understanding its meaning on the rink, we gain a richer appreciation for how everyday language, sports culture, and puzzles intertwine.
So the next time you encounter that clue, you won’t just write the answer — you’ll know the story behind it.
Written and published by Empire Magazines — where words, culture, and sport meet.
FAQs About “Method of Starting Play in Ice Hockey Crossword”
1. What is the answer to the crossword clue “method of starting play in ice hockey”?
The correct answer is FACE-OFF. It refers to the way ice hockey begins or restarts play, where two opposing players face each other for control of the puck.
2. What does “face-off” mean in ice hockey?
A face-off is the action that starts or resumes play in ice hockey. It involves a referee dropping the puck between two players who attempt to gain possession for their team.
3. How many face-off spots are on an ice hockey rink?
There are nine face-off spots in total — one at centre ice, four in the neutral zone, and two in each attacking/defensive zone.
4. Why is a face-off important in hockey?
Winning a face-off can determine possession and influence the pace of the game. It’s often the first step in setting up offensive plays or defending crucial situations.
5. Why do crossword puzzles use this clue so often?
The clue “method of starting play in ice hockey” is popular because it’s clear, recognizable, and fits neatly into crossword grids as a seven-letter answer.
6. Can the crossword answer be written differently?
Yes. Depending on the puzzle, it might appear as FACE-OFF, FACEOFF, or FACE OFF (4,3). All forms are accepted variations of the same term.
7. Does “face-off” have meanings outside of hockey?
Yes. In everyday language, “face-off” can also mean a confrontation or direct contest between two people or groups, not just in sports.
8. How can I remember this crossword answer easily?
Think of confrontation — two players facing each other to start play. Whenever you see the clue about “starting play in ice hockey,” picture that moment, and “FACE-OFF” will come naturally.
9. Is there any other sport that uses a similar method?
Yes, sports like lacrosse also use a face-off-like procedure to start play, but the term is most famously associated with ice hockey.
10. What makes this clue a favorite among crossword solvers?
It’s short, sporty, and precise — combining the thrill of competition with the simplicity crossword fans appreciate.
