An icing call in hockey occurs when a player shoots the puck from their own side of the red center line across the opposing team’s goal line, and the puck is then touched by a player from the opposing team before any player from the team that shot the puck. This results in a stoppage of play and a faceoff in the defending team’s zone.
5 Supporting Facts:
1. The purpose of the icing rule is to prevent players from simply shooting the puck down the ice to relieve pressure or to avoid defending against the opposing team’s offense.
2. Icing can be called during even-strength play, power plays, and penalty kills.
3. Icing is not applicable when a team is shorthanded due to a penalty, as they are already at a disadvantage and do not benefit from simply clearing the puck down the ice.
4. The opposing team must touch the puck for icing to be called. If the puck reaches the goal line without being touched, play continues.
5. Icing can be waved off if the linesman determines that the defending team had a legitimate chance of playing the puck before it crossed the goal line.
FAQs:
1. Are there any exceptions to the icing rule?
Yes, there are a few exceptions. Icing is not called if a team is shorthanded due to a penalty, if a team is awarded a power play, or if a team iced the puck while on a delayed penalty.
2. What happens after an icing call is made?
After an icing call, play is stopped and a faceoff takes place in the defending team’s zone. This gives the defending team a chance to regroup and potentially change their players on the ice.
3. Can a defending player intentionally touch the puck to prevent an icing call?
Yes, a defending player can race to touch the puck before it crosses the goal line to prevent an icing call. If they successfully touch the puck, icing is waved off and play continues without a stoppage.
4. Can the team that iced the puck make player substitutions during a faceoff after an icing call?
No, the team that iced the puck is not allowed to make player substitutions during a faceoff following an icing call. They have to use the players on the ice at the time of the icing.
5. Is icing call subject to video review?
No, icing calls are not subject to video review. The decision is solely made by the linesmen on the ice, and their judgment is final.
6. Can a team score a goal on an icing play?
No, a goal cannot be scored directly from an icing play. After an icing call, the opposing team is given a faceoff in the defending team’s zone, preventing any immediate scoring opportunities.
7. Can a team intentionally ice the puck to get a break during a game?
While players may sometimes intentionally ice the puck to alleviate pressure, it is not a common strategy to purposely ice the puck simply for a break. Teams generally prefer to maintain control of the puck and actively participate in the game rather than rely on icing to create a breather.
BOTTOM LINE:
An icing call in hockey occurs when a team shoots the puck from their own side of the red center line across the opposing team’s goal line, and the puck is touched by a player from the opposing team before any player from the shooting team. This results in a stoppage of play and a faceoff in the defending team’s zone. Icing is aimed at preventing teams from simply clearing the puck down the ice, forcing them to maintain offensive pressure and engage in active play.
