pitchiä

Pitchiä is a Finnish term that can refer to a few different things, primarily related to the game of ice hockey. In its most common usage, pitchiä refers to a specific type of penalty shot. This penalty shot is awarded when a player is fouled from behind while on a clear breakaway and has lost their stick, or the puck is too far ahead, or the player is tripped. The player awarded the pitchiä gets an uncontested opportunity to score on the opposing goaltender from center ice. The rules and specifics of when a pitchiä is awarded can vary slightly between different leagues and governing bodies.

Beyond the penalty shot, pitchiä can sometimes be used informally to describe a player's speed or quickness, particularly in relation to their skating ability. A player who is described as having good pitchiä is considered fast and agile on the ice. This usage is less formal and more of a colloquialism within the hockey community. The origin of the word itself is debated, but it is widely accepted to be of Finnish origin.