Assist (hockey) - Definition and Overview

In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to the two previous players of the scoring team who touched or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. If the opposing team gains possession, not just tips or deflects the puck, and then loses possession again to the player who scores, there are no "assistants" in the goal and therefore no assists are awarded.