Hockey Rules
Hockey has a unique set of rules that make it unlike any other sport. These rules create a safe and positive environment for players, while encouraging skill development and a love for the game. Here’s an overview of some of the most common rules and infractions:
Face-Offs: Face-offs start the game and restart play. One player from each team lines up, and the puck is dropped between them. The goal? Battle for possession!
Offsides: Happens when a player enters the offensive zone before the puck. Play stops, and a neutral zone face-off follows.
Icing: If a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line across the opponent’s goal line without it being touched, icing is called. This results in a face-off in the defending team’s zone.
Hand Pass: Players can’t use their hands to pass the puck, except in the defensive zone. A whistle stops play, and the face-off happens where the hand pass occurred.
High Stick: If a player plays the puck with their stick above shoulder height and a teammate touches it next, play is stopped, and a face-off occurs in their defensive zone.
PENALTIES
Minor Penalties: Players sit in the penalty box for two minutes while their team plays shorthanded. Common minor penalties include:
- Tripping: Using the stick, arm, or leg to trip an opponent.
- High-Sticking: Striking an opponent above the shoulders with the stick.
- Slashing: Swinging the stick at an opponent, whether contact is made or not.
- Holding: Grabbing an opponent with hands, arms, or legs.
- Interference: Impeding a player not in possession of the puck.
- Elbowing: Illegal use of an elbow during a check.
- Cross-Checking: Using both hands on the stick to deliver a hit.
- Hooking: Using the stick to restrain an opponent.
- Boarding: Checking an opponent into the boards with excessive force.
- Roughing: Unnecessary roughness during or between play.
Major penalties involve more deliberate violence and can cause injury. Players serve a full five-minute penalty, even if the opposing team scores.