DEFINITION: Hockey minor penalties refer to infractions committed by players during a game that are less severe than major penalties, resulting in a player being sent to the penalty box for a set amount of time (usually two minutes).
FAQs:
1. What types of infractions can result in a minor penalty in hockey?
– Minor penalties can be given for various infractions such as tripping, slashing, hooking, holding, interference, and high-sticking, among others.
2. How does a minor penalty affect the team?
– When a minor penalty is called on a player, his team is required to play with one less player on the ice for the duration of the penalty, resulting in a disadvantage known as a “power play” for the opposing team.
3. Can multiple minor penalties be called on the same team?
– Yes, it is possible for multiple minor penalties to be called on a team simultaneously. In this case, the team will have to play with two or more players in the penalty box, creating a more significant disadvantage.
4. Can a player be ejected from the game for receiving too many minor penalties?
– Generally, a player cannot be ejected solely for receiving multiple minor penalties. However, if a player accumulates three minor penalties in a single game, he will be awarded a double minor penalty, which results in four minutes of penalty time.
5. Can a team score while on a penalty kill?
– Yes, it is possible for a team on a penalty kill, during a power play by the opposing team, to score a shorthanded goal. If the team with the penalty scores while down a player, they earn a goal, and the penalized player is released early from the penalty box.
