scratches in hockey

Meanings

1. 1phraseplural

   In ice hockey, players who are healthy but not chosen to play in a particular game, or the list of such players.

   Grammar: Always plural and used with a plural verb: The scratches are announced before the game.

   Patterns

   • be a scratch
   • be on the scratches
   • join the scratches

   After the warm-up, the coach told two players they would be scratches for the night.

   He was a healthy scratch for the third game in a row, so he watched from the press box.

   The scratches in hockey are usually listed on the lineup card before the puck drops.

2. 2phrase

   The act of removing a player from the lineup, often because of injury or a coach's decision.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: The scratch of the star player surprised fans.

   Patterns

   • the scratch of someone
   • a late scratch

   The late scratch of the goalie forced the backup to start.

   His scratch from the roster was due to a lower-body injury.

Common combinations

healthy scratch

He was a healthy scratch, meaning he was not injured but simply not playing.

late scratch

The team announced a late scratch just before the game.

scratch list

The scratch list is posted in the locker room.

scratch a player

The coach decided to scratch a veteran forward for the game.

Synonyms and how they differ

bench

Refers to the players not on the ice, but 'bench' includes all substitutes, while 'scratch' specifically means a healthy player who is not in uniform.

healthy scratch

A more specific term that emphasizes the player is not injured; 'scratch' alone can also mean a player removed for other reasons.

Word family

scratch verb

To remove a player from the lineup.

scratched adjective

Describing a player who has been removed from the lineup.

Commonly confused: scratches in hockey or scratch?

Practice

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