Icing is called in hockey when a team shoots the puck from their own side of the center red line, across the opposing team’s goal line, without any player from the opposing team touching it. Here are five facts about how icing is called in hockey:
1. The purpose of icing: The icing rule in hockey is designed to prevent teams from simply shooting the puck down the ice to get a break or slow down the game. It encourages teams to make controlled and strategic plays.
2. The center red line: In order for icing to be called, the puck must cross both the center red line and the opposing team’s goal line untouched by any players from the opposing team.
3. No-touch icing: In some leagues, particularly at the professional level, a no-touch icing rule is implemented. This means that icing is called once the puck crosses the goal line, regardless of whether or not any player touches it. This rule increases player safety by eliminating potentially dangerous collisions into the boards.
4. Delayed icing: In certain situations, icing may be called, but there is a delayed icing rule in effect. This means that if the team that shot the puck first touches it before any player from the opposing team, icing is waved off and play continues.
5. Icing enforcement: When icing is called, play is stopped and a faceoff occurs in the offending team’s defensive zone. This gives the opposing team an advantage by allowing them to potentially set up an offensive play.
Now, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about icing in hockey:
FAQ 1: Why is icing called in hockey?
Answer: Icing is called in hockey to promote fair play and encourage teams to engage in strategic gameplay, avoiding easy shortcuts like shooting the puck down the ice.
FAQ 2: Is it critical for the puck to cross the red line for icing to be called?
Answer: Yes, in order for icing to be called, the puck must cross both the center red line and the opposing team’s goal line untouched by any players from the opposing team.
FAQ 3: How does no-touch icing work?
Answer: No-touch icing is a rule implemented in some leagues where icing is called once the puck crosses the goal line, without needing any player to touch it. This rule prioritizes player safety by preventing dangerous collisions into the boards.
FAQ 4: What is delayed icing?
Answer: In delayed icing situations, icing may be called, but if the opposing team touches the puck first, icing is waved off, and play continues.
FAQ 5: What is the consequence of icing being called?
Answer: When icing is called, play is stopped, and a faceoff occurs in the offending team’s defensive zone, giving the opposing team an advantage.
FAQ 6: Can teams purposely ice the puck to get a break?
Answer: No, icing is called to discourage teams from using the strategy of shooting the puck down the ice to gain an advantage or slow down the game.
FAQ 7: Are there any exceptions to the icing rule?
Answer: In certain situations, such as during a power play or when a team is killing a penalty, the icing rule may be temporarily waived off to prevent repeated stoppages in play.
BOTTOM LINE:
Icing is called in hockey to promote fair play, prevent shortcut strategies, and encourage strategic gameplay. The puck must cross both the red center line and the opposing team’s goal line untouched by any player for icing to be called. No-touch icing rules exist at the professional level for player safety. Delayed icing is also in effect when the team shooting the puck touches it first. When icing is called, play is stopped, and a faceoff occurs in the offending team’s defensive zone.
