A Defensive Forward is a player in ice hockey who primarily focuses on preventing the opposing team from scoring while also contributing to their own team's offense. This role requires strong skating skills, awareness of the game, and the ability to anticipate the opponent's moves. Defensive forwards often play a crucial role in penalty killing situations, where they work to thwart the other team's power play. These players are typically responsible for backchecking, which involves skating back to their own zone to help defend against opposing players. A successful defensive forward balances their defensive duties with offensive opportunities, making them valuable assets to their team. Examples of notable defensive forwards include Selke Trophy winners like Pavel Datsyuk and Patrice Bergeron.