Original: In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal.
Simplified: In ice hockey, an assist is when up to two players of the scoring team shoots, passes or deflects the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which made the goal.