In hockey, the term “bully” refers to a specific action that takes place between two players after a stoppage in play, usually resulting from a disputed call or an accidental stoppage. During a bully, the two players face each other with their sticks on the ice and the referee drops the puck between them. The objective is for one player to gain possession and control of the puck.
FAQs:
1. How is a bully different from a faceoff in hockey?
A bully is similar to a faceoff as it involves two players competing for possession of the puck. However, bullies typically occur in situations where the puck becomes disputed due to a stoppage that isn’t a traditional faceoff location.
2. Are there any specific rules that apply during a bully?
Yes, during a bully, both players must keep their sticks on the ice, and they cannot use their skates or hands to gain an advantage. The referee ensures a fair competition by dropping the puck properly between the players.
3. When are bullies typically called by referees?
Bullies are called in situations where a disputed stoppage occurs and the referee determines that a traditional faceoff is not appropriate. It can happen when the puck goes out of bounds, there’s accidental contact with the goalie, or a scrum ensues after a whistle.
4. Are there any strategies involved in winning a bully?
Yes, players use various techniques to gain an advantage during a bully. This can include positioning their body to shield the opponent’s stick or using quick reflexes to make the first move as soon as the referee drops the puck.
5. Can a bully influence the momentum of a game?
While bullies are short moments in a game, winning or losing them can have an impact on momentum. A player who successfully wins a bully gains possession of the puck and can potentially generate offensive opportunities for their team.
6. What happens if both players violate the rules during a bully?
If both players engage in illegal actions during a bully, the referee may call a penalty, such as slashing or tripping, depending on the nature of the violation. The opposing team would then go on a power play.
7. Are bullies common in today’s hockey games?
Bullies are relatively rare in modern hockey, especially at higher levels of play. However, they can still occur in situations where the puck becomes disputed due to unique circumstances or after a stoppage that doesn’t warrant a standard faceoff.
BOTTOM LINE:
In hockey, a bully refers to a specific action where two players compete for the puck after a disputed stoppage in play. While bullies are less common in modern hockey, they still add an element of excitement and competition when traditional faceoffs are not suitable.
