In a game of hockey, there are two players known as the hockey defenseman. The two players call defensemen are usually strategically positioned all in or close to the defensive zone. Defensemen are necessary in helping to keep the goalie safe against attack from players up another team. In many instances, the defensemen are known to lead an attack against the opposing team. Defensemen do their jobs based on territory; the right defenseman covers the right half of the court and the less defenseman covers the left half of court. In most cases, defensemen are free to move about the court and may even cross over into one another's territory in order to properly perform their duties.

In most cases, defensemen are skilled at their duties meaning that they rarely sway from this position or move from defenseman to other positions in the game of hockey. They play an integral part in protecting their team and strengthening their team's defense.