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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 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 easier to defend 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.

This role is slowly dying because of the new, finesse play in the NHL.

• Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames

• Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis Blues
• Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche
• Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets
• Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning

• Eric Lindros, famous for his play on the Philadelphia Flyers
• Cam Neely, Boston Bruins, NHL Hall of Fame member
• Kevin Stevens, famous for his play on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Stanley Cup winner
• Wendel Clark, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Rick Tocchet, Philadelphia Flyers
• John LeClair, famous for his play on the Philadelphia Flyers, once led the NHL in Power Play goals
• Todd Bertuzzi was a dominant power forward for the Vancouver Canucks for several years before declining into mediocrity due to injuries and his role in the notorious Steve Moore incident.
• Brendan Shanahan, One of the original power forwards. Many current players look at him as the building block on how to play the position. Recently slipped into mediocrity largely due to age and the new style of NHL play.

Positions on the Hockey Rink
Forwards:		Left winger | Centre | Right winger
Defencemen:		Left defenceman | Right defenceman
Goaltender:		Goaltender
Power forward | Enforcer | Captain | Head coach | Referee & linesman

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