What is "cycling" in ice hockey?


Standard ice hockey is a game with a goaltender and 5 skaters per side played on an ice surface divided with a center red line, two goal line red lines and two blue lines indicating the respective offensive zones.  Cycling is when the offensive team has possession of the puck in their respective offensive zone and the skaters, typically three forwards, are passing the puck to each other, while moving in a circular motion, to create space and opportunity to generate a shot on goal.  The movement and skating in this fashion is known as, "cycling" and is an offensive tactic employed in ice hockey leagues from youth to professional.