The Art of the Forecheck: A WBS Penguins Tactical Guide

In the fast-paced, physical game of hockey, success is often determined by which team can best control the flow of play. While highlight reels are filled with incredible goals and sprawling saves, the game is frequently won through relentless, coordinated pressure. This is where forechecking comes in. For the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, an effective forecheck is not just a defensive tactic; it’s a core part of their identity, used to dictate tempo, create turnovers, and generate offense.

This tactical guide will break down the art of the forecheck, exploring what it is, why it is so crucial, and how the WBS Penguins use it to gain an edge over their opponents. By understanding these strategies, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the high-IQ, high-effort plays that define a successful hockey team.

What is Forechecking?

Forechecking is the act of applying pressure on the opposing team in their defensive zone to disrupt their attempt to move the puck up the ice, known as a “breakout.” The primary goal is to force a mistake, create a turnover, and regain puck possession in the offensive zone. It is an aggressive, proactive strategy that requires speed, anticipation, and seamless coordination among the forwards and defensemen.

Instead of retreating into a defensive shell after losing the puck, a good forechecking team immediately goes on the attack. This pressure limits the time and space available to the opposing defenders, forcing them into hurried passes or poor decisions. When executed correctly, a forecheck can suffocate an opponent’s offense before it even starts.

The Strategic Importance of the Forecheck

A strong forechecking game offers numerous advantages that go beyond simply getting the puck back. It is a fundamental component of a winning strategy for several key reasons:

1. Dictating the Pace: Relentless pressure forces the opposing team to play at a tempo they may not be comfortable with. It disrupts their systems and prevents them from setting up a controlled breakout.
2. Creating Offensive Opportunities: Forcing turnovers deep in the offensive zone leads to high-quality scoring chances. The opponent is often disorganized, leaving players out of position and vulnerable to a quick strike.
3. Wearing Down Opponents: Constantly battling for the puck and absorbing physical contact is exhausting. An effective forecheck drains the energy of opposing defensemen over the course of a game.
4. Building Momentum: A successful forechecking shift can energize the entire team and the home crowd. It signals a high level of effort and commitment, often swinging the momentum of a game in your favor.

For an AHL team like the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where player development is paramount, mastering a structured and energetic forecheck is essential. It prepares players for the speed and tactical demands of the NHL.

Common Forechecking Systems Used by the Penguins

Hockey teams employ various forechecking systems depending on their personnel, game situation, and coaching philosophy. The WBS Penguins utilize a mix of these strategies to keep opponents guessing. Here are two of the most common systems you’ll see them use.

The 1-2-2 Forecheck

The 1-2-2 is a balanced and widely used system that provides pressure without sacrificing defensive stability. It involves one forward (F1) aggressively pursuing the puck carrier, while two other forwards (F2 and F3) position themselves higher in the zone to cut off passing lanes. The two defensemen (D1 and D2) hold the blue line.

• F1 (The Pursuer): This player’s job is to pressure the puck carrier, forcing them to one side of the ice and taking away their time and space. The F1 must take smart angles to guide the play where the team wants it to go.
• F2 and F3 (The Support): These forwards read the play and anticipate the opponent’s next move. They position themselves to intercept passes up the boards or through the middle, creating a “wall” in the neutral zone.
• Defensemen (The Safety): The defensemen maintain gap control at the blue line, ready to step up to keep the puck in the offensive zone or pivot and defend against a long pass.

The WBS Penguins often use this system when they have a lead or are facing a team with a potent transition game. It effectively clogs the neutral zone, making it difficult for opponents to build speed and generate odd-man rushes.

The 2-1-2 Forecheck

The 2-1-2 is a more aggressive system designed to create immediate turnovers deep in the offensive zone. It involves sending two forwards in hard to pressure the puck.

• F1 and F2 (The Hunters): Two forwards attack the puck carrier and the primary passing options. This intense pressure often forces panicked decisions. For example, F1 might pressure the defenseman behind the net, while F2 cuts off the pass to the other defenseman.
• F3 (The High Guy): The third forward stays higher in the slot area, providing support and acting as a safety valve. This player is responsible for covering the opponent’s center or reading the play to intercept a pass up the middle.
• Defensemen (The Pinchers): In a 2-1-2 system, the defensemen play a more aggressive role, often “pinching” down the boards to keep the puck in the zone when they see an opportunity.

The Penguins might employ this strategy after a dump-in or when they need to generate offense. It’s a high-risk, high-reward system that, when successful, can overwhelm opponents and lead directly to goals. It relies on the speed and tenacity of the forwards to win puck battles.

The Penguins’ Forecheck in Action

The identity of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins has long been tied to a hardworking, blue-collar style of hockey, and the forecheck is central to that identity. Players who come through the system are expected to be relentless on the puck and smart in their positioning.

You can see their tactical approach in action during any home game. Watch how, after a puck is dumped into the opponent’s zone, the first Penguins forward attacks the puck carrier. This player’s goal isn’t always to win the puck outright, but to force the defender to make a quick pass under pressure. The next two forwards anticipate this pass, closing off lanes and challenging the recipient. This coordinated effort is what turns a simple puck retrieval for the opponent into a potential turnover and a scoring chance for the Penguins.

Successful implementation was evident in many of their key victories last season. The team’s ability to force turnovers on the forecheck often led to sustained offensive zone time, wearing down the opposition and eventually leading to a defensive breakdown.

Conclusion: The Foundation of Penguins Hockey

The art of the forecheck is about much more than just skating hard. It is a strategic dance of anticipation, positioning, and coordinated aggression. For the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it is a foundational element of their tactical identity, allowing them to control the game’s pace, generate offense from defense, and embody the high-effort hockey that fans in NEPA have come to love.

The next time you are at Mohegan Arena, watch what happens when the puck enters the opponent’s zone. Pay attention to the roles of F1, F2, and F3. Notice how the defensemen read the play at the blue line. You’ll see that the most exciting offensive plays often begin with the smart, disciplined, and relentless work of a well-executed forecheck.