In ice hockey, a power forward is a forward who possesses above average offensive skills and plays a tough, physical game. Most of the time, power forwards are physically large, but some players are referred to as power forwards despite being no more than six feet (183 cm) tall. Power forwards tend to be proficient stickhandlers and skaters who shoot the puck well and, at the same time, are capable of delivering crushing body checks and may also fight occasionally. Many power forwards plant their bodies in front of the opposing team's net and use their large frames to screen the goaltender. Power forwards also tend to be very difficult to knock off possession of the puck, hence their ability to "power through" opposing defenders.
Power forwards are desirable because of their well-rounded skill set and physical play. Smaller skilled forwards, who are talented offensively but lack the strength of power forwards, are often defended against differently because they can be pushed around, knocked off the puck, or are more susceptible to intimidation. Power forwards do not tend to have any of those liabilities. However, small forwards are typically faster and more agile than the big power forwards.
Famous power forwards
- Maurice Richard, Montreal Canadiens, 1st to score 50 goals in a season, fought furiously when provoked.
- Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, NHL Hall of Fame member. Aside from his scoring records, Howe was also known for the "Gordie Howe hat trick"; having a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game
- Mark Messier, famous for his play on the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers, NHL Hall of Fame member
- Cam Neely, Boston Bruins, NHL Hall of Fame member
- Eric Lindros, famous for his play on the Philadelphia Flyers, 1995 Hart Trophy winner
- Clark Gillies, 4-time Stanley Cup winner, NHL Hall of Fame member
- Kevin Stevens, famous for his play on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Stanley Cup winner
- Wendel Clark, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL Hall of Fame member
- Jaromir Jagr, Two-time Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh Penguins, also member of Washington Capitals and New York Rangers
- Rick Tocchet, Philadelphia Flyers
- John LeClair, famous for his play on the Philadelphia Flyers' Legion of Doom line
- Dale Hunter, Washington Capitals, notorious for extremely physical play
- Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche, supremely skilled but defended the puck with his body
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| Power forward | Enforcer | Captain | Head coach | Referee & linesman | ||||
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