Icing in hockey refers to a violation that occurs when a player shoots the puck from their own side of the center red line past the opposing team’s goal line without it being touched by another player. Here are five supporting facts about icing in hockey:
1. Icing is primarily used as a defensive strategy to relieve pressure from the opposing team. By icing the puck, a team can force a faceoff to occur in the other team’s zone, giving their players a chance to regroup and catch their breath.
2. Icing is called by an official blowing the whistle and stopping play. The faceoff following an icing call takes place in the offending team’s defensive zone.
3. It is important to note that there are some exceptions to icing. If a team is shorthanded due to a penalty, they are allowed to ice the puck without facing any consequences. This is known as an “automatic icing.”
4. Icing can also be waved off if the team shooting the puck can touch it before the opposing team. This is called a “race for the puck,” and it encourages players to hustle and prevent an icing call.
5. In the NHL, there is a rule known as the “hybrid icing.” It allows the linesman to make a judgment call instead of waiting for the players to touch the puck. If the linesman determines that the defending player would have easily reached the puck first, icing is called. This rule was implemented to prevent injuries that could occur during the race for the puck.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about icing in hockey:
1. Are there any penalties associated with icing?
No, icing itself is not a penalty. However, if a team consistently uses icing as a method of delaying the game, the referee may issue a warning or even penalize the offending team.
2. Can a team score a goal directly off an icing?
No, a team cannot score a goal directly off an icing call. Play is stopped once the icing violation is called, and the next action is a faceoff.
3. Can the goalie leave the crease to play the puck on an icing call?
Yes, the goalie is allowed to leave the crease and play the puck during an icing call. However, if they play the puck and then fail to clear it, icing may still be called.
4. Can a team use icing as a deliberate tactic to waste time?
While teams may use icing strategically, purposely delaying the game through icing can be seen as unsportsmanlike conduct. The referees are usually vigilant about repetitive icing and may take action accordingly.
5. How often can a team call icing during a game?
There is no limit on the number of times a team can call icing during a game. However, it is important to note that frequent icing calls can disrupt the flow of the game and may result in penalties for delay of game.
6. Can icing lead to injuries?
In some cases, icing can lead to collisions between players racing to touch the puck. Although rules have been implemented to reduce the instances of such collisions, there is still a possibility of injuries occurring during the race for the puck.
7. Can icing be called during overtime?
Yes, icing can be called during overtime in most hockey leagues. The rules for icing remain the same, regardless of whether it is in regulation time or overtime play.
BOTTOM LINE: Icing in hockey is a violation that occurs when a team shoots the puck from their own side of the center red line past the opposing team’s goal line without it being touched by another player. It is primarily used as a defensive strategy, and while it is not a penalty itself, it can disrupt the flow of the game and may have consequences if used excessively.
