penalty killer

American  

noun

Ice Hockey.

1. a player used when the player's team is short-handed as a result of a penalty, especially a player skilled at defense and employed regularly in such situations.

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penalty killer British  

noun

1. ice hockey a good player who, when his team is short-handed because of a penalty, is sent onto the ice to prevent the other side from scoring

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Etymology

Origin of penalty killer

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

A veteran penalty killer and shutdown forward, he’s blocked many an NHL shot in the past decade.

From Seattle Times

The former Norris Trophy winner as the league’s top defenseman been a solid, lower-pairing mainstay and penalty killer, averaging 17:04 of ice time.

From Seattle Times

A trusted utility player and penalty killer, he reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career last season.

From Seattle Times

Fourth-line center and penalty killer Pierre-Edouard Bellemare rejoined the Kraken for Friday’s optional morning skate for the first time since breaking a bone in his leg while blocking a shot Dec. 18 against the Dallas Stars.

From Seattle Times

The Kraken have leaned on McCann’s defensive abilities before, primarily as a penalty killer.

From Seattle Times