A major penalty in hockey is a severe infraction that results in a player being sent to the penalty box for a minimum of five minutes. Here are five supporting facts about major penalties in hockey:
1. Definition: A major penalty is assessed for more serious rule violations, such as high-sticking, boarding, fighting, or deliberate injury. It is the most severe penalty in hockey, resulting in a player being removed from the game for a significant amount of time.
2. Consequences: When a player receives a major penalty, their team is forced to play shorthanded for the duration of the penalty or until a power-play goal is scored by the opposing team. This can severely affect a team’s ability to maintain momentum and can greatly impact the outcome of a game.
3. Fighting: Although fighting is discouraged in hockey and can result in major penalties, it is not an automatic major. The referees have some discretion in assessing penalties for fighting, and they may give out minor penalties or match penalties, which come with an automatic ejection.
4. Misconduct Penalty: In addition to a major penalty, the referee can also assess a misconduct penalty to a player. This penalty does not affect the player’s team shorthanded status, but the player must still serve a 10-minute penalty in the penalty box.
5. Supplementary Discipline: In certain cases, a major penalty can lead to further disciplinary action by the league. The player may face fines, suspensions, or other sanctions depending on the severity of the infraction and their history of previous penalties.
FAQs about major penalties in hockey:
1. Can a major penalty be served by a teammate?
No, the player who commits the infraction must serve the major penalty themselves. They remain in the penalty box for a minimum of five minutes or until the opposing team scores a power-play goal.
2. Can a player receive multiple major penalties in one game?
Yes, a player can receive multiple major penalties in a game. However, accumulating major penalties can lead to more severe consequences, such as ejection or further disciplinary action.
3. Are major penalties assessed in overtime?
Yes, major penalties are still assessed in overtime. However, if a major penalty is called during the last five minutes of regulation time, it carries over into the overtime period.
4. Do players receive suspensions for major penalties?
Depending on the severity of the infraction, a major penalty may result in a suspension. The league reviews all major penalties and may apply additional disciplinary measures if warranted.
5. Do both teams play shorthanded during a major penalty?
No, only the team of the player who committed the penalty plays shorthanded during a major penalty. The opposing team receives a power-play opportunity.
6. Can a major penalty be called for intentionally shooting the puck over the glass?
No, the rulebook specifies that a delay of game penalty is called for deliberately shooting the puck over the glass. This infraction results in a minor penalty, not a major penalty.
7. Can a major penalty be assessed for checking from behind?
Yes, checking from behind is considered a dangerous play and can result in a major penalty. Additionally, the player committing the infraction may face further disciplinary action.
BOTTOM LINE:
A major penalty in hockey is a severe infraction that results in a player being removed from the game for at least five minutes. It can greatly impact a team’s ability to compete effectively and can lead to further disciplinary action by the league. Understanding the consequences and rules surrounding major penalties is crucial for players, coaches, and fans of the game.
