A term used to describe a type of pass or play where a player quickly and forcefully shoots the puck along the boards or “around the boards” in an attempt to clear it out of the defensive zone or transition it to the neutral zone or offensive zone. The objective of a hard around pass or play is to move the puck rapidly and safely to a teammate or to clear it from a congested or dangerous area near the boards. Hard around plays are common in hockey, especially in situations where a team is trying to kill penalties, relieve defensive pressure, or initiate a quick transition from defense to offense. The key is to execute the play accurately and with enough force to accomplish the intended outcome.
