The rule now requires that all face-offs take place at one of the nine face-off spots on the ice, regardless of what caused the stoppage of play. ... In the NHL, the player from the visiting team is required to place his stick on the ice for the face-off first when it takes place at the centre-line dot.

Which player normally takes the faceoff?

One player from each team is selected to take the faceoff—typically it's the centre's job. The other players gather into position beside and behind the player taking the faceoff.

Why do centers get kicked out of faceoffs?

The center will be kicked out if he or one of his teammates is doing something illegal during the setup. The faceoff violation will usually be for misalignment of the faceoff man or from one of his teammates moving into the faceoff circle.