What is icing in hockey?
Icing in hockey refers to a rule where a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line across the opposition’s goal line without anyone touching it. Here are five supporting facts about icing in hockey:
1. Icing is a rule designed to prevent a team from simply shooting the puck down the ice to gain an advantage. It adds an element of strategy to the game.
2. When icing occurs, the opposing team is awarded a faceoff in the offending team’s defensive zone, giving them a better chance to score.
3. However, there are certain situations where icing is not called. For example, if the defending team is killing a penalty, icing is waved off, allowing the team on the power play to freely shoot the puck down the ice.
4. Another exception is if the player shooting the puck across the red line is on their defensive side of the ice when they release the puck. In this case, icing is also waved off.
5. The icing rule varies slightly in different leagues and levels of play, so it’s important for players to familiarize themselves with the specific rules of the league they are participating in.
FAQs about icing in hockey:
1. What happens when icing occurs?
When icing occurs, the play is stopped, and a faceoff is conducted in the defending team’s zone. This gives the opposing team an opportunity to regain possession and potentially score.
2. Are there any penalties associated with icing?
No, icing itself is not a penalty. It is simply a rule violation that results in a faceoff in the defending team’s zone. However, intentionally icing the puck to delay the game can result in a delay of game penalty.
3. Can a team in the offensive zone still ice the puck?
No, icing can only occur when the puck is shot from behind the center red line and crosses the opposing team’s goal line untouched. If a team is already in the offensive zone, icing cannot be called.
4. Why do players sometimes try to ice the puck intentionally?
Intentionally icing the puck can be used as a defensive strategy to relieve pressure from the opposing team. By shooting the puck down the ice, players hope to give their team a chance to regroup and catch their breath.
5. Is there any benefit to the team that ices the puck?
While icing the puck intentionally may provide a temporary relief, it also means giving up possession of the puck and potentially giving the opposing team more scoring opportunities. So, it can be seen as a double-edged sword.
6. Can a team score directly from an icing situation?
No, a team cannot score directly from an icing situation. After an icing call, the play is stopped, and a faceoff is conducted. The opposing team must gain possession and navigate through the defense in order to score.
7. Can icing be waved off after it is called?
In some situations, icing can be waved off after it is called. For example, if the linesman determines that the defending player could have easily touched the puck but chose not to, they may wave off the icing call.
BOTTOM LINE:
Icing in hockey is a rule that prevents teams from freely shooting the puck down the ice to gain an advantage. It results in a faceoff in the defending team’s zone and adds strategic elements to the game. Understanding the nuances of icing can help both players and fans appreciate the intricacies of the sport.
