The Ice Hockey’s Penalty System

Hockey is a fast-paced, intensive, and cold sport that requires discipline and strong character. The rules in hockey are also very important. The punters should respect their playmates and defend their gates effectively.

However, in some cases, the players who commit violations on the ice are sent to the penalty box. This creates an opportunity for the opponents to make a penalty kill, while the other team should defend themselves. Realizing all the intricacies related to the penalty system is important for the resultative game.

So, in this article, we’ll delve into hockey’s penalty system and discuss its rules and types.

Different Hockey Rules for Different Leagues

Generally, all the rules of hockey are quite similar, but of course, different leagues have their own distinctions. The difference in the rules lies in variations in leagues, age groups, and regions. For instance, penalties and hockey rules are tailored to a certain league. Moreover, there is a difference between leagues in the same region, for example, in the USA. The main thing that is common for all leagues is safety concerns. The rules in this dangerous sport are made to keep players as safe as possible.

Wear Helmets. The important safety rule is to wear a helmet during the game. Hockey can be dangerous due to the heavy sticks and metal pucks. So, if you want to enter the ice without a helmet, the couch will disqualify you immediately or give you a yellow card.
Expanded Coach’s Challenges. Coaches should control precisely every game. In the situation when they find it difficult to realize the results or who is to blame, they can require video tape. Anyway, coaches can slightly change the rules and have an unlimited amount of challenges per game.
Penalties for Erroneous Referee’s Challenge. The coach should be 100% sure when they make a challenge of the referee. In the other case, the organization will issue a two-minute penalty to the team.

In this piece, we listed three main rules that are common for all leagues and countries. So, before playing an actual hockey game, you must familiarize yourself with these important rules.

Types of Penalties in Ice Hockey

All types of penalties vary by the level of intensity and severity. They are broken down into several categories that depend on the type of injury and the location on the ice. During different types of penalties, the team is programmed to take a certain set of actions. Let’s start with the most harmless option.

Minor Penalties

Minor penalties are the least severe type. During this penalty, the player should leave the ice and sit in the box for 2 minutes. The other team, at the same time, has the advantage of taking an extra player on the ice. The penalty will end if the opponents score. In some cases, the referee may consider that a player should sit for more than 2 minutes, but it would still be too little to call it a major penalty. However, if the player were injured during the game, a coach can issue a double-minor or four-minute penalty.

The list of minor penalties:

Charging
Elbowing
Slashing
Contact to the Head
Roughing
Kneeing
Holding, etc.

Major Penalties

This type is considered a severe infraction that requires 5 minutes. During major penalties, the attacking player should sit in the penalty box for the entire 5 minutes. In this case, it won’t matter how many the opponents score during this time.

The list of major penalties:

Checking from Behind
Fighting
Boarding
Spearing
Pushing the Opponent
Butt-Ending, etc.

Misconduct Penalties

Misconduct penalties are a more serious chastisement, as a result of which the player should sit in the box for 10 minutes. These penalties are way more serious than major ones but still don’t require the ejection of the player. During the misconduct penalty, the player who committed a violation will sit in the box, while the other player from the same team will bear the penalty for the initial infraction.

In some leagues, the timer won’t start until the other player sits in the box for 2 or 5 minutes for the initial violation. Misconduct penalties are always issued for more serious infractions, such as bad behavior and disrespect of other players.

Match Penalties

Match penalties are the stiffest type of chastisement. Within the framework of a match penalty, the player receives an ejection from the game and must leave the ice immediately. The main reason for this serious disqualification may be a serious fight between teammates or opponents. During the match penalties, not only the guilty one suffers, but also the player from the same team that should serve the time for the penalty.

Penalty Shot

Sometimes, instead of a minor penalty, the referee issues a penalty shot. In cases where the player has a clear path to the goal, but the other player stops him with some inappropriate move against the rules, the coach can give a penalty shot. If the penalty shot is called, the player is given an opportunity to stand in the center of the ice and skate all the way to the gate without other players.

During the penalty shot, only the opposing gatekeeper and the player stay on the ice. This opportunity is given to punters only once. So, if the punter can’t score a goal, the penalty shot will be wasted.

Delayed Penalty

Sometimes, penalties don’t call immediately after the violation. This is called a delayed penalty. If the coach doesn’t want to stop the game, he just raises the arm of the player who committed a chastisement and lets the game continue until the offending team touches the puck.

Defending With Fewer Players

The area next to the gates is the most risky sport on the whole ice field. This is because the main aim of hockey is to score a goal in the gates, and the attacking team wants to score as quickly as possible. If you’re playing with fewer players, protecting the gates can be a little more difficult. Yet, this is not an impossible task.

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Don’t Stand in One Position

The opponents will analyze the pose you are staying in, so your goal is to move as much as possible. This will keep them surprised and you more focused on their movements. However, as a goalkeeper, you shouldn’t leave your “house.” Stay as close as possible to the gates and follow the puck.

Keep Your Head on Swivel

You always should know where the puck is. Stay alert to the situation, and don’t let opponents confuse you. Try to build a trajectory of the puck in your head. This way, it will be easier for you to follow it.

Clear a Rebound

To become a perfect defender, you need to have quick reactions. So, if you see the puck coming in, be ready to hit it faster than it will do the opponent. Try to hit the puck and return to your position quickly.

Block the Shots

When the team has fewer players, couches offer to form a diamond shape or box to block the passion line for the attacking opponents. This useful tactic will help protect the gates and gatekeeper, as well as cover the passlines.

Momentum Shifts in the Game

Hockey is an intense and challenging game with ups and downs. Of course, sometimes, the players are given free rein to their emotions. This can significantly impact the results of the game. So, before playing a serious game, the players should train to cope with their emotions and mood. Besides the physical training, punters must complete mental ones. To play hockey successfully and gain great results, every player should pay attention to these factors:

Mindset: Mentally prepared players and teams will not get confused during the taught situation and will find a way to overcome difficulties.
Focus: Each player should be focused on their task and play accordingly. In this case, the team will achieve the heights they dream of.
Emotional Control: Even during tense situations, the players must keep themselves under control and not lose their temper with the opponents.

Conclusion

Now, when we look at all types of penalties and teach you how to overcome your emotions, you are one step closer to becoming a great hockey player. There’s only one small thing left to do: find yourself a trainer and experience play in real life. But remember, hockey is a traumatic game, so put on all protective gear and avoid direct clashes with other players.

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