Hockey icing is a rule in ice hockey that occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line all the way down the ice and it crosses the opponent’s goal line untouched. Here are 5 supporting facts to further explain the concept of hockey icing:
1. Purpose: The icing rule was introduced to prevent teams from continuously shooting the puck down the ice to create stoppages in play and to provide an advantage to the team that is defensively outmatched.
2. Danger: Icing can result in potential injuries to players as they race to touch the puck first before it crosses the goal line. The players often accelerate and collide into the end boards or each other, increasing the risk of getting hurt.
3. Offside: Icing is different from offside, another rule in hockey. Offside occurs when a player enters the opponent’s offensive zone before the puck, whereas icing involves shooting the puck down the ice untouched.
4. Result: When icing is called, a faceoff is held in the offending team’s defensive zone. This allows the non-offending team to have a territorial advantage and an opportunity to generate scoring chances.
5. Exceptions: Some leagues have introduced variations to the icing rule to encourage faster gameplay. For example, in the National Hockey League (NHL), the rule of hybrid icing is implemented, where the linesman judges the race to the puck instead of reaching the goal line.
FAQs about Hockey Icing:
1. Q: Can a team score a goal on an icing play?
A: No, icing results in a stoppage of play, and no goals are awarded from an icing call.
2. Q: Can icing be waved off if a player from the non-offending team is able to touch the puck before it crosses the goal line?
A: Yes, icing can be waved off if a player from the non-offending team reaches the puck first.
3. Q: Can a team that has committed icing make a line change before the faceoff?
A: No, the team that committed icing is not allowed to make any line changes before the ensuing faceoff.
4. Q: Are there any situations where icing is not called?
A: Yes, if a team is shorthanded and shoots the puck from their defensive zone and it goes all the way into the opponent’s net, no icing is called, and the shorthanded team is credited with a goal.
5. Q: Can a goaltender leave their crease to play the puck during an icing situation?
A: Yes, goaltenders are allowed to leave their crease and play the puck during an icing situation.
6. Q: Can a team commit icing during a powerplay?
A: Yes, icing can be called even if a team is on a powerplay, making it advantageous for the shorthanded team as it results in a stoppage of play.
7. Q: Is icing applied in all levels of ice hockey?
A: No, different leagues and age groups may have variations or even eliminate the icing rule depending on their specific regulations.
BOTTOM LINE:
Hockey icing is a rule that prevents teams from shooting the puck from their own defensive zone all the way down the ice without being touched by another player. The rule is in place to maintain fairness, player safety, and strategic gameplay.
