The Ultimate Guide to Ice Hockey Penalties: What They’re Called and How to Avoid Them

Ice hockey is an exhilarating sport that requires both speed and strategy. As with any sport, there are rules that need to be followed, and penalties for those who break them. Understanding the types of penalties, what they are called, and how to avoid them is crucial for any player or fan of the sport.

In this ultimate guide to ice hockey penalties, we will explore everything you need to know about penalties in ice hockey. From the common reasons for penalties to the impact of penalties on the outcome of a game, we will cover it all. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned player, this guide will provide valuable insights into one of the most important aspects of the game.

So, if you are ready to learn about ice hockey penalties and how to avoid them, read on to discover everything you need to know.

Understanding the Types of Penalties in Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a fast-paced, physical sport where players skate at high speeds while carrying heavy sticks and wearing protective gear. With so much action happening on the ice, it’s not uncommon for players to commit penalties in the heat of the moment. But what exactly are penalties in ice hockey, and what are the different types?

Penalties are infractions that occur during a game and result in a player being sent to the penalty box for a designated amount of time, leaving their team shorthanded. In ice hockey, there are two main types of penalties: minor and major.

Minor penalties are typically less severe and result in a player being sent to the penalty box for two minutes. Common types of minor penalties include tripping, hooking, and cross-checking, all of which involve using one’s stick or body to impede the progress of an opponent. Other examples of minor penalties include holding, interference, and high-sticking.

Major penalties, on the other hand, are more serious and result in a player being sent to the penalty box for five minutes. Some common types of major penalties include fighting, boarding, and slew-footing. These types of penalties are considered more dangerous and can result in injury to the opposing player.

Additionally, there are also misconduct penalties which result in a player being sent to the penalty box for ten minutes. These penalties are given to players who argue with officials, engage in unsportsmanlike conduct, or abuse equipment.

Understanding the types of penalties in ice hockey is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. By knowing the different types of penalties and their consequences, players can better avoid committing infractions and stay out of the penalty box, giving their team a better chance to win.

Minor Penalties

Minor penalties are less severe than major penalties but still result in a player being sent to the penalty box for two minutes. During this time, their team is short-handed and must defend against the opposing team’s power play. Some common minor penalties include tripping, hooking, high-sticking, and holding. In addition, a player who receives two minor penalties in the same game will be given a double minor penalty and will have to sit in the box for four minutes instead of two.

Tripping occurs when a player uses their stick, arm, leg, or foot to trip an opponent, causing them to fall. Hooking is when a player uses their stick to slow down or impede the movement of an opponent. High-sticking is when a player makes contact with an opponent using their stick above shoulder level, and holding occurs when a player grabs onto an opponent’s body or equipment to impede their progress.

In addition to these four penalties, there are several others that can result in a minor penalty. These include interference, delay of game, and cross-checking, among others. Regardless of the type of penalty, the player who commits the infraction must serve their time in the penalty box before returning to the ice.

During the two minutes that a player serves in the penalty box for a minor penalty, their team is short-handed and must defend against the opposing team’s power play. If the opposing team scores a goal during this time, the player who committed the penalty may be released from the box early, allowing their team to return to full strength.

Teams can also be penalized for too many men on the ice, which occurs when a team has more than five players on the ice at the same time. This is a minor penalty that results in a player being sent to the box for two minutes.

Major Penalties

Major penalties are more serious infractions that result in a player being off the ice for five minutes. The opposing team also gets a power play for the duration of the penalty or until they score. In some cases, a major penalty may also result in the player being ejected from the game. Here are some common major penalties:

• Checking from behind: This penalty occurs when a player hits an opponent from behind, causing them to crash into the boards.
• Fighting: Fighting is not allowed in ice hockey, and any player who engages in fisticuffs will be given a major penalty.
• High-sticking: If a player hits another player with their stick above the shoulders, it is considered high-sticking and results in a major penalty.
• Spearing: This penalty occurs when a player stabs an opponent with their stick. It’s one of the most dangerous infractions and can result in serious injury.
• Boarding: Boarding happens when a player pushes or hits another player into the boards in a dangerous or reckless manner.
• Charging: If a player takes more than three strides before checking an opponent, it’s considered charging and results in a major penalty.

Major penalties can be a game-changer, especially if they result in a player being ejected from the game. It’s important for players to stay disciplined and avoid making dangerous plays that can result in major penalties.

What Happens When a Penalty is Called in Ice Hockey?

When a penalty is called in ice hockey, the offending player must leave the ice and go to the penalty box for a set amount of time, depending on the severity of the penalty. The team of the offending player will then play shorthanded, with one less player on the ice, for the duration of the penalty. Power play is the term used to describe the advantage of the team that is not penalized, who will have an extra player on the ice during that time.

During a power play, the team with the advantage will try to take advantage of the extra player by attacking more aggressively and attempting to score a goal. Meanwhile, the team that is shorthanded will try to defend their goal and prevent the other team from scoring. Killing a penalty is the term used to describe the defensive strategy employed by the shorthanded team.

If a team scores a goal during a power play, the penalized player is allowed to return to the ice, and the teams will resume playing at full strength. If the power play ends without a goal being scored, the penalized player must wait until the next whistle before returning to the ice. Icing is not called during a power play, which means that the team with the advantage can shoot the puck from behind the center line without penalty.

In some cases, if a player receives a major penalty, they may be ejected from the game and face additional disciplinary action from the league. Additionally, if a team receives too many penalties during a game, the coach may face disciplinary action or fines.

Penalties can have a major impact on the outcome of a game, and players must be careful not to make costly mistakes that could result in a penalty. Understanding the rules and consequences of penalties is essential for players and fans alike.

The Player Goes to the Penalty Box

When a player commits a penalty, they are required to leave the ice and serve their time in the penalty box. The amount of time spent in the box depends on the severity of the penalty.

While in the box, the penalized player must wait for the penalty time to expire before they can re-enter the game. During this time, their team must play short-handed, which can make it challenging to defend against the opposing team’s offensive plays.

If the penalized player is in the box when their team scores a goal, they may be released from the penalty box and allowed to return to the ice. This is known as a “power play goal” for the penalized player’s team.

The Opposing Team Goes on the Power Play

When a player is penalized and sent to the penalty box, their team is left shorthanded on the ice. This means that the opposing team now has a power play advantage for the duration of the penalty.

During a power play, the team with the man advantage is allowed to have an extra player on the ice, giving them a 5-on-4 advantage. This makes it easier for them to move the puck around and create scoring chances.

However, if the shorthanded team is able to prevent the opposing team from scoring during the penalty, it is considered a successful penalty kill. This can give the shorthanded team momentum and energy to build on when the penalized player returns to the ice.

Common Reasons for Penalties in Ice Hockey

Tripping: When a player uses their stick, arm, or leg to trip an opponent, causing them to fall. This is a minor penalty.

High Sticking: When a player’s stick makes contact with an opponent above the shoulders. This can result in a minor or major penalty, depending on the severity of the contact.

Boarding: When a player pushes, checks, or hits an opponent into the boards surrounding the rink. This can result in a minor or major penalty, depending on the severity of the hit and the resulting injury.

Slashing: When a player swings their stick at an opponent with excessive force, whether or not contact is made. This is a minor penalty.

Hooking: When a player uses their stick to hook an opponent and impede their progress. This is a minor penalty.

Penalties can impact the outcome of a game, so it is important for players to understand the rules and avoid committing penalties. By staying disciplined and playing within the rules, players can help their team stay out of the penalty box and increase their chances of winning.

Tripping

Tripping is a minor penalty that occurs when a player uses their stick, knee, foot, or arm to trip an opponent, causing them to fall.

Intentional tripping is usually punished with a more severe penalty, such as a major or a match penalty, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Players who are prone to tripping should focus on improving their skating skills and staying low to the ice to avoid accidentally tripping an opponent.

Hooking

Hooking is when a player uses their stick to impede or pull back an opposing player. This can be done in a number of ways, such as pulling on an opponent’s jersey or using the stick to hook around their body.

A player may be called for hooking if they use their stick to slow down an opponent or prevent them from getting to the puck. Hooking can also be called if a player uses their stick to prevent an opponent from passing or shooting the puck.

Hooking is a minor penalty that results in the offending player spending two minutes in the penalty box. If a player commits multiple hooking infractions during a game, they may receive a more severe penalty.

High Sticking

High sticking occurs when a player carries their stick above their shoulder and contacts another player. It is considered a major penalty if the contact causes an injury. High sticking can be called on both offensive and defensive players, but it is more commonly called on the offensive player, as they are trying to gain control of the puck.

The player who commits the infraction must serve a 2-minute minor penalty, or if the contact was particularly severe, a 4-minute double minor penalty. If the contact caused an injury, the player may receive a major penalty and a game misconduct, which requires the player to leave the game and may result in additional suspension or fine.

High sticking is a dangerous infraction, as it can result in injury to the other player. Players are taught to keep their sticks on the ice at all times and avoid any contact with other players. If a player accidentally makes contact with another player while their stick is high, they can still be penalized for the infraction.

How to Avoid Penalties in Ice Hockey

Discipline is the key to avoiding penalties in ice hockey. Players should stay calm and not let their emotions take over during the game. Reacting to provocation or retaliating against an opponent can lead to a penalty.

Proper Technique is also important in avoiding penalties. Players should make sure they are using the correct technique when checking, stickhandling, and shooting to avoid any accidental infractions.

Communication is crucial in team sports like ice hockey. Players should communicate with their teammates to avoid collisions and other accidental penalties. Clear and effective communication can prevent confusion on the ice.

Practice makes perfect. Players should practice their skills regularly to improve their technique and control on the ice. The more comfortable they are with the game, the less likely they are to commit a penalty.

Keep Your Stick on the Ice

One of the most common penalties in ice hockey is high sticking, which occurs when a player’s stick makes contact with an opposing player’s head or face. To avoid this penalty, keep your stick on the ice and avoid swinging it around recklessly.

Another way to keep your stick on the ice is to stay low when going after the puck. This will help you maintain better control of your stick and avoid tripping or hooking other players.

It’s also important to use proper technique when checking. Avoid using your stick to hook or trip other players and instead focus on using your body to make a clean, legal hit.

Avoid Dangerous Checks

Body checking is a common tactic in ice hockey, but it’s important to remember that there are rules around it. Dangerous checks that can lead to injury are strictly prohibited. To avoid penalties, make sure to:

• Keep your elbows down and don’t use them to hit opponents
• Avoid hitting from behind as it can result in serious injury
• Stay within the legal hitting zone and don’t target an opponent’s head or neck
• Use your body to hit, not your stick
• Always follow the rules and listen to the referees’ calls

Remember, the goal is to play hard but play safe. Avoiding dangerous checks not only helps prevent injuries but also keeps you and your team from getting unnecessary penalties.

The Impact of Penalties on the Outcome of a Game

Penalties in ice hockey can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. A team that takes frequent penalties not only loses players on the ice but also gives the other team a chance to score on a power play. This can shift the momentum of the game in the opposing team’s favor and result in a loss for the team taking the penalties.

Referees have a difficult job in enforcing penalties fairly, and a missed or incorrect call can also impact the game’s outcome. Additionally, some teams may strategically take penalties to slow down the game and disrupt the opposing team’s momentum, risking a penalty kill in the process.

Penalties taken in the final minutes of a game can be especially detrimental as they can prevent a team from tying or winning the game. In close games, every penalty can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Coaches and players must work together to minimize penalties and ensure fair play to increase their chances of winning. While penalties are an inevitable part of the game, their impact on the outcome can be minimized through discipline, strategy, and effective communication on the ice.

Power Play Opportunities

When a team commits a penalty, the other team gets a power play opportunity for a set amount of time, where they have one more player on the ice than the opposing team. This means they have a better chance of scoring a goal. It’s important to take advantage of these opportunities, as they can be a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.

Teams that have a high power play percentage have a better chance of winning games, as they are able to capitalize on their power play opportunities more effectively. Coaches often spend a lot of time developing strategies for power plays, including using specific players who are known for their scoring ability.

Power Play Opportunities	Goals Scored	Power Play Percentage
Team A	15	18%
Team B	25	30%
Team C	20	24%

The table above shows the number of power play opportunities and goals scored, as well as the resulting power play percentage for three different teams. As you can see, Team B has the highest power play percentage, meaning they are more effective at scoring goals during power play opportunities than the other teams.

Momentum Shifts

One of the most significant impacts of penalties in ice hockey is the effect it can have on momentum. When a team is penalized, it can lead to a shift in momentum, as the other team gains an advantage on the ice. This shift in momentum can be challenging to overcome, especially if the team that was penalized is already struggling.

Moreover, a power play can also create a momentum shift in favor of the team that was awarded the man advantage. If they can successfully convert on the power play, they can gain a significant advantage, both in terms of the score and the psychological impact on the other team.

Therefore, avoiding penalties and capitalizing on power play opportunities is crucial to maintaining momentum in a game. A team that can stay out of the penalty box and effectively use their power play can gain and maintain the momentum needed to win.

Fatigue on Penalty Killers

Penalty killing is a physically demanding task that requires players to expend a significant amount of energy. This can lead to fatigue, which can affect a team’s ability to defend against opposing power plays.

One way to mitigate the effects of fatigue is to rotate penalty killers frequently. This allows players to rest and recover while ensuring that the team maintains an effective penalty kill.

Another way to combat fatigue is to have a deep bench of skilled players who can step in and contribute on the penalty kill. This allows teams to keep their top players fresh for even-strength play while still having a strong penalty kill.

Famous Ice Hockey Penalties and Their Consequences

Bobby Clarke’s slash

In the 1972 Summit Series, Canadian forward Bobby Clarke delivered a vicious slash to Soviet superstar Valeri Kharlamov, breaking his ankle and effectively taking him out of the series. While Clarke’s actions were widely condemned, the incident helped ignite a fierce rivalry between the two teams that persists to this day.

Wayne Gretzky’s high stick

In the 1993 playoffs, Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, received a high-sticking penalty that led to a game-winning goal by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The incident remains a controversial moment in Gretzky’s career, and many fans and analysts still debate whether the penalty was warranted.

Marty McSorley’s illegal stick

In the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Marty McSorley was caught using an illegal stick, leading to a power play and ultimately a game-winning goal for the Montreal Canadiens. McSorley was suspended for the remainder of the series, and the Kings went on to lose in five games.

Chris Pronger’s elbow

In the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger delivered a vicious elbow to the head of Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom, leading to a one-game suspension. The incident ignited a heated debate about player safety and the NHL’s disciplinary process.

Wayne Gretzky’s High-Sticking Penalty in the 1993 Western Conference Finals

In Game 6 of the 1993 Western Conference Finals, Wayne Gretzky committed a high-sticking penalty against the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Doug Gilmour. The penalty proved to be costly as the Leafs scored the game-winning goal on the ensuing power play. The incident sparked controversy as many felt that Gretzky should not have been penalized. The debate over whether the call was fair or not continues to this day, with some arguing that the penalty ultimately cost the Los Angeles Kings a chance at the Stanley Cup that year.

The incident highlights the importance of discipline in hockey, as even the greatest players can make mistakes. It also shows how penalties can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, and ultimately, a team’s season. In this case, the penalty led to a momentum shift in favor of the Leafs, who went on to win the series.

Gretzky’s high-sticking penalty remains one of the most controversial calls in NHL history and serves as a reminder of the impact penalties can have on the game.

Bobby Orr’s Goal to Win the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals in Overtime

In the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, Bobby Orr scored one of the most famous goals in ice hockey history to win the championship for the Boston Bruins. Orr’s goal came in overtime of Game 4 against the St. Louis Blues, giving the Bruins their first Stanley Cup since 194The goal is often regarded as one of the most iconic moments in NHL history, and Orr’s celebration, as he flew through the air with his arms raised in triumph, is immortalized in a bronze statue outside the TD Garden in Boston.

The goal itself was a result of a brilliant play by Orr, who took a pass from teammate Derek Sanderson and drove towards the net. Orr’s momentum carried him towards Blues goalie Glenn Hall, and as he was tripped up by Blues defenseman Noel Picard, Orr fell to the ice and slid towards the net. As he slid, Orr managed to lift the puck over Hall and into the net, sending the Boston Garden into a frenzy.

Orr’s goal was not only a defining moment in his career but also helped to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history. Orr won eight Norris Trophies as the NHL’s top defenseman, two Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player, and two Stanley Cups during his career. His goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals remains a timeless reminder of his skill, determination, and the beauty of the game of ice hockey.

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