Similarly, though forwards are more often counted on to score, they have to play defense when the opponent has the puck. Yet, they are not limited to those areas. The game is too unpredictable for that. In this regard, hockey is similar to basketball, where guards do more than guard and forwards can be anywhere on the court, depending on the circumstances. The similarities, however, end there.
Hockey permits a high degree of physical contact called checking.
A player who has the puck can expect opponents to disrupt his progress and steal the puck by hitting him with their bodies and, to a lesser degree, with their sticks. This level of contact and the presence of a goaltender make scoring difficult. It also creates an environment that lends itself to all kinds of players being part of a successful team. Quality goal-scorers are highly prized no matter their size. It's a God-given gift.