An icing call in hockey refers to a rule violation that occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line all the way to the opponent’s goal line without any player on the opposing team touching the puck. Here are five supporting facts about icing calls in hockey:
1. Purpose: The primary objective of icing calls is to discourage teams from simply shooting the puck down the ice to relieve pressure. It encourages teams to make more strategic plays and maintain possession of the puck.
2. Linesman’s Role: It is the responsibility of the linesman, one of the officials in the game, to make icing calls. The linesman typically raises his hand to signal an icing violation.
3. Faceoff Location: When an icing call is made, the ensuing faceoff occurs in the defending team’s zone. This gives the non-offending team an opportunity to gain an advantage by starting the play closer to their opponent’s net.
4. Exceptions: There are a few exceptions to icing calls. If a team is shorthanded due to a penalty or is attempting a shorthanded goal, they are not penalized for icing the puck. Additionally, if the goaltender leaves the crease to play the puck, icing is waived off.
5. Hybrid Icing: In certain leagues, like the NHL, a rule modification called hybrid icing is implemented. Instead of skating to touch the puck on an icing call, the linesman judges who would reach the puck first and signals icing accordingly. This rule aims to minimize the chances of player collisions during icing situations.
FAQs about icing calls in hockey:
Q1: What happens when icing is called?
A1: When icing is called, play is stopped, and a faceoff occurs in the defending team’s zone.
Q2: Can the team that iced the puck make substitutions during the ensuing faceoff?
A2: No, the team that committed the icing violation cannot make any substitutions, giving the non-offending team a potential advantage.
Q3: Who can be penalized for icing the puck?
A3: There is no penalty associated with icing calls. It simply results in a faceoff.
Q4: Can a team score a goal on an icing play?
A4: No, a goal cannot be scored directly from an icing play. The puck must be legally controlled and brought into the offensive zone first.
Q5: Can icing calls be reviewed using video replay?
A5: No, icing calls cannot be reviewed using video replay as they are subject to the linesman’s judgment.
Q6: What happens if a player touches the puck before it reaches the goal line?
A6: If a player on the opposing team touches the puck before it crosses the goal line, icing is waved off, allowing play to continue.
Q7: How often are icing calls made in a game?
A7: The frequency of icing calls can vary depending on the teams and the style of play. However, it is not uncommon for multiple icing calls to occur in a single game.
BOTTOM LINE:
An icing call in hockey occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line to the opponent’s goal line without any opposing player touching the puck. This rule discourages teams from making careless long-range passes and aims to promote strategic gameplay. While icing calls result in a faceoff in the defending team’s zone, there are exceptions and variations to this rule, like hybrid icing, ensuring player safety and fair play.