DCHP-3

centre ice

DCHP-2 (Jun 2010)

Spelling variants:
center ice

1n. & adj. — Hockey

the area between the blue lines that mark each team's defensive zone, especially the centre point where starting face offs are held.

Type: 4. Culturally Significant — As the quotations illustrate, the term has been part of hockey terminology since its early days (see, e.g. the 1894 quotation). Like most other hockey terms, centre ice has acquired cultural significance (see DCHP-1 reference, s.v. "centre ice").

Quotations

1894
Grassie got hold of the puck, and by a splendid bit of play got up centre ice and passed to McDonald.
1897
Almost immediately Huff brought it down to centre ice, passing to Routh, who shot from the side. Skinner made a good stop and put the puck away.
1900
When about centre ice Robinson secured the puck and by a beautiful run scored goal three.
1942
Apps starts out to centre ice, is knocked down and ... failed to get away.
1955
. . . he got a breakaway and made a marvelous stickhandling play forcing the attack . . . straight down center ice.
1963
[They] were sent to the penalty box . . . after a minor tussle at centre ice.
1970
Barns drops the puck at centre ice but Thompson’s crew isn’t even trying now …
1986
[...] I sat in a location about seven rows into the blues and just to once side of centre ice.
1995
Kirk Muller, the National Hockey League star-in-waiting, will be at centre ice tonight for the Kingston Frontenacs. Muller, presently suspended by the New York Islanders and awaiting a trade, will drop the puck in tonight's Ontario Hockey League matchup between Kingston and the Ottawa 67's at the Memorial Centre.
2006
So, before the first shooter skates in alone from centre ice, a Zamboni clears a path, about two machine lanes wide, of snow chips that have accumulated during the third period and overtime.
2016
The three often play Wednesday nights with the Paken Hockey Raiders, local lads from nearby Ottawa Valley towns and villages. It is far from the lights and cameras of big city pro hockey, but it is the heart of the game. Sticks are tossed at centre ice and separated with closed eyes. Refs are not needed. They play for wings and beer.
2n. — mostly Sports, especially in Curling

the central area of an ice rink used for ice sports, e.g. curling, especially the centre point.

Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Centre ice features in a number of sports. Curling, in particular, has "thrived to a prodigious and unparalleled extent" in Canada (Bailey, Redmond and Freeborn 2010: n.p. qtd. in Dollinger In press: 80) and has thus acquired some cultural significance, reminiscent only of the even bigger salience of the sport of hockey.

Quotations

1880
Grand Masquerade Carnival This (Friday) Evening. Centre ice reserved for masquers. Admission 10 cents and 15 cents.
1886
The rinks of the president and vice president were pitted against each other on the centre ice, and those of J. Paterson Sr. and J. Paterson Jr. on the ice upon the west side.
1893
Mr. Pedley drew a stone into centre ice, which Dr. Bryce failed to dislodge [...]
1895
The Rink - Will we bring that ane on? He's on't - He's aff't! - He's on't!
Simon - He's on't! - Na! - He's aff't! He's aff't! Up haunds! E - h! Missed it! Man, that's a peety!
Carberry - Oh! for a gaird, Sandy! Oh! for a gaird! Creep doon centre ice; we'll soop ye!
1900
The Strathcona skating rink was opened for skating last Saturday evening. As yet only the centre ice is being used. The uneveness [sic] of the ground has made flooding very difficult so that the outer course is not ready yet.
1997
The impossible dream had finally died for the celebrity Herring Chokers, but the skip's father would not let the passion die. Tears welling in his eyes, Ken Grattan continued to wave the New Brunswick flag. Manitoba may have won the game, but Ken Grattan was still the proudest Herring-Choker father alive. James Grattan hugged his father and mother, then strode to centre ice for a CBC interview, all the time maintaining a stiff upper lip for the viewers back home as he had done all week in the heat of his first Brier.
2007
David Love, a marriage commissioner for the province, said he has married couples in different places before, including recently at centre ice in the Selkirk Arena.
2007
It is important to note that hockey rink layouts are rarely perfect. Ensuring that the curling sheet is straight will begin with the identification of “centre ice”. The traditional hockey face­off dot may not be installed exactly at centre ice nor, should it be expected that the dasherboards are perfectly straight.
2015
The Frost Fest, sponsored by the Pakenham and District Civitan Club, is celebrating its 50th anniversary but locals say it took place as a local winter carnival for many years before that. That's why a community builder is always acknowledged for his or her contributions. This year, on Jan. 30, the appreciation ceremonies and O' Canada will take place at 8 p.m. on centre ice at the Stewart Community Centre.
2016
Centre Ice Duct Tape

1) Set the duct tape dead-centre of the ice.
2) Take one set of the rocks( red/yellow/blue) to the other end of the ice.
3) Duct tape is the target at centre ice, it may be bumped or moved with a curling stone, do not put it back to the start position, unless it has been knocked out of play.

References