Torpedo system

The torpedo system is an ice hockey on-ice system, used extensively by the Swedish national hockey team in international competition.cite web|title= THE YEAR IN IDEAS: A TO Z.; The Torpedo|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE4DD143CF93AA35751C1A9679C8B63 |accessdate=2008-01-04 |author= Jeff Z. Klein|date= December 9, 2001|work= |publisher=New York Times] The system converts the traditional hockey layout of three forwards and two defensemen, into two "torpedoes" up front, two "halfbacks", and one lone defenceman (or "libero"). The torpedoes are responsible for forechecking in the corners when the puck is in the offensive zone, and stay around the neutral zone to be sprung into a scoring position (by a "stretch pass" or "torpedo pass"). The halfbacks are all-purpose players that run the offense from the faceoff circles in the offensive zone, and defend against the other team's torpedoes. The libero protects the rear of the ice.cite web|title=Damn the Torpedo|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2060571/ |accessdate=2008-01-04 |author= Ben McGrath|date= Thursday January 10, 2002|work= |publisher=Slate magazine]

The system is used in international hockey by the Swedish team, due to the large ice surface, and the lack of a two-line pass offside (which would stop play with a two-line pass). It contrasted the neutral zone trap, which was popular in the 1990's, and which stifled fast skating and playmaking by crowding the neutral zone with players. The system could not be completely implemented in the National Hockey League until 2005 when the red line was eliminated, allowing for two-line passes to string the torpedoes.

The system was used to describe the Swedish national men's hockey team's approach during the 2002 Winter Games, [cite web |url= http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2002/ice_hockey/news/2002/02/15/sweden_canada_ap/|title= Torpedo blast|accessdate=2007-12-31 |author= Associated Press|date= Friday February 15, 2002|work= |publisher=CNN/Sports Illustrated] [cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9804EEDF103FF935A25751C0A9649C8B63|title=Swedish Offense Easily Dismantles Talented Canadian Team |accessdate=2007-12-31 |author=Joe Lapointe |date = February 16, 2002 |publisher= New York Times] which was punctuated by a preliminary 5-2 win over the eventual gold-medal winning Canadian team.

References

External links

* [http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/07066/767530-383.stm Torpedo pass used in game summary]
* [http://www.hockeycanada.ca/3/1/2/5/index1.shtml Another example of use in a match summary]
* [http://www.keneskysports.com/cyclones/newsdetail.html Another use in a match summary]