A penalty in hockey is a punishment assessed against a player or team for violating the rules of the game. When a penalty is called, the offending player must serve time in the penalty box, leaving their team short-handed while the opposing team has a power play. Here are 5 supporting facts about hockey penalties:
1. Types of Penalties: There are various types of penalties in hockey, including minor penalties, major penalties, and misconduct penalties. Minor penalties result in two minutes of penalty time, major penalties lead to five minutes of penalty time, while misconduct penalties range from 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Penalty Box: The penalty box is a designated area in the arena where penalized players must sit out their penalty time. Typically, teams enduring a short-handed situation will aim to minimize the scoring opportunities for the opposing team until their player returns.
3. Power Play: A power play occurs when a team has more players on the ice due to an opponent’s penalty. This gives the team with the advantage an excellent opportunity to score since they have more skaters against fewer defenders.
4. Penalty Kill: When a team is short-handed due to a penalty, they go on a penalty kill. The objective of the penalty-killing team is to prevent the opposing team from scoring during the power play. This often includes aggressive forechecking and shot-blocking strategies.
5. Penalty Shot: In some instances, a penalty shot may be awarded to a player who was illegally denied a scoring opportunity by an opposing player. In this situation, the penalized player takes a shot at the opposing team’s goalie with no other players on the ice, except for the goalie.
Now, here are seven frequently asked questions about hockey penalties, along with their answers:
1. How are penalties called in hockey?
Penalties are typically called by referees or linesmen who witness a player breaking the rules. They raise their arm to signal a penalty, and play is stopped to allow the penalized player to serve their time in the penalty box.
2. Can penalties be called on coaches or the team staff?
Yes, penalties can also be assessed against coaches or other team staff members for misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior. These penalties are often referred to as bench minor penalties.
3. What happens if a team receives multiple penalties?
If a team receives multiple penalties, they must serve their penalty time one after another. This can result in a lengthy period of being short-handed, giving the opposing team a significant advantage.
4. How does a team score during a power play?
A team on a power play looks to capitalize on their numerical advantage by moving the puck effectively, creating scoring opportunities, and taking shots on the opposing team’s goal. If they successfully score while on a power play, the penalized player is allowed to return to the ice.
5. Can a penalty be canceled if the opposing team scores a shorthanded goal?
Yes, if a team on a power play gives up a goal to the short-handed team, the penalty is canceled, and both teams resume even strength. This encourages the penalized team to defend well and prevent shorthanded goals.
6. Can a player be ejected from the game due to penalties?
Yes, in certain circumstances, particularly for major penalties or accumulated misconduct penalties, a player may be ejected from the game. This means they cannot return to play for the remainder of the game.
7. Can teams decline penalties in hockey?
In hockey, penalties cannot be declined by the opposing team. If a penalty is called by the officials, the penalized player must serve the time, regardless of the opposing team’s preference.
BOTTOM LINE:
Penalties in hockey serve as a means to enforce fair play and maintain the integrity of the game. Whether through a power play, penalty kill, or penalty shot, penalties significantly impact the dynamics of the game and often determine the outcome. Understanding the different types of penalties and how they affect team strategies adds depth to the excitement of watching and playing hockey.
