Icing in a hockey game refers to a rule that is designed to control gameplay and ensure fair competition. Here are five supporting facts about icing in hockey:
1. Definition: Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind their team’s own red line and it crosses the opponent’s goal line without being touched by another player.
2. Rule Enforcement: When icing happens, play is stopped, and a faceoff occurs in the offending team’s defensive zone.
3. Purpose: Icing helps prevent teams from clearing the puck down the ice to relieve pressure without any strategic intent, thus encouraging more skillful and competitive gameplay.
4. Exceptions: The icing rule does not apply during a team’s power play or if the team is shorthanded due to a penalty.
5. Variations by League: Different leagues may have variations in how icing is enforced, such as hybrid icing, where the play is stopped if the defending player is deemed to reach the puck first.
FAQs about icing in hockey:
1. Can the team committing icing make substitutions during the stoppage of play?
Yes, during an icing call, teams are allowed to change their players on the ice.
2. What happens if a player touches the icing puck before it crosses the goal line?
If a defending player manages to touch the puck before it completely crosses the goal line, icing is waved off, and play continues.
3. Can a team score a goal during an icing call?
No, a goal cannot be scored directly from an icing call. Play is stopped, and no goals can be scored during a resulting faceoff.
4. How is hybrid icing different from regular icing?
In hybrid icing, the linesman judges who will reach the puck first. If the defending player is ahead in the race, icing is called, and a faceoff occurs. If the attacking player has the advantage, icing is waved off.
5. Why is hybrid icing implemented?
Hybrid icing was introduced to improve player safety, as it reduces the likelihood of collisions that can occur when players race for the puck to negate the icing call.
6. Can the team committing icing call for a timeout?
No, teams guilty of icing are not allowed to call for a timeout after the whistle is blown.
7. Can a team that is already shorthanded commit icing?
Yes, a team that is shorthanded due to a penalty can commit icing without further consequences. The icing call will result in a faceoff in the defensive zone, but the team will not incur more penalties.
BOTTOM LINE: Icing is an important rule in hockey that discourages teams from simply clearing the puck down the ice to relieve pressure. It helps maintain a fair balance between offense and defense while also ensuring player safety. Different leagues may enforce icing with slight variations, such as hybrid icing, to enhance gameplay and reduce the risk of collisions.
