It is common to see the goalie come out of his net and play the puck. When this happens, is the goalie fair game? Is a player able to bodycheck the goalie like any other opponent on the ice?
The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is ‘fair game’ and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area. There is sometimes incidental contact between a player and a goaltender, but body checking a goaltender will always result in a penalty.
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According to Rule 69.2 of the NHL rulebook: in all cases where an attacking players initiates intentional contact or deliberate contact with a goalkeeper, whether or not the a goal is scored, the attacking player will receive a penalty. In all cases, the referee will give more consideration to the type of contact with the goaltender.
Let’s look at the issue of contact and the goaltender more in-depth.
Contact with a goalie outside of the crease
Many fans see the goaltender come out of his crease to play the puck —which many are quite proficient at doing — and assume that they become a regular player and can be body checked. However, this is not the case.
Yes, a goalie is allowed to come out and play the puck, but they still receive protection under the rules of play and cannot be body checked.
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I love this old photo of legendary goalie Ken Dryden being checked by New York Ranger player Eddie Johnston. This is not allowed and would be called a penalty.
The player is allowed to try and steal the puck from the goalie by using a stick check. Or, some physical contact can be made if the goalie has the puck along the boards and the player is simply jostling for position to try and secure the puck for themselves. But, there is no instance where the player would be allowed to bodycheck the goaltender away from the puck.
Why players would want to ‘hit’ the goalie?
The goaltender always has the freedom to come out of the crease and play the puck without fear of being body checked by an opposing player. Why is this?
The goaltender is arguably the most important position in the NHL. Brad Treliving, General Manager of the Calgary Flames, has been known to comment that the NHL should just change the name of the league to ‘goalie’.
A strategy in hockey to try and get more goals is to try and get in the goalie’s ‘face’. This means that when a goalie is in his crease the players want to jostle with him as they screen him to block of his view of the play, give him little ‘bumps’ that the referee would not call as a hit, and even try to hit his own players into him. All of these tactics are in the grey area of the rules and border on a penalty but players often get away with them.
This jostling of the goalie or bumping into the goalie is designed to try and throw the goalie off his game — and it works. The goalie knows that he is not supposed to be hit, so when he is touched in any way, he will often get upset. Furthermore, when a goalie gets bumped in any way, his teammates often become very upset and it can throw them off their game as well.
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The goalie is such a hard position that it needs so much concentration to keep focused on the puck and to save shots that are coming at you at 100 mph. It would not take much to impede that concentration; so, there is no way that a goalie should be hindered in trying to stop the puck — that simply makes it too difficult.
If a player was allowed to bodycheck the goaltender when he is outside of his crease, you can be 100% sure that this would lead to players taking extra liberties with the goaltender. A goalie has big padding, but it is awkward padding, and it is tough to keep your balance in it while being hit. The padding was designed for stopping pucks, not body contact.
As well, goalies in some cases are allowed to freeze the puck outside the crease – would players be able to bodycheck them when they are freezing the puck? This makes no sense, it would be tough to enforce against, and again goalies would be targeted for hits.
Contact with a goalie inside the crease
The goaltender is not allowed to be hit under any circ*mstances while in the crease, although there may be incidental contact between an opponent and goalie.
If a player is deemed to have made intentional contact with a goaltender it will be called automatically as goaltender interference. If the player makes incidental contact with a goaltender, then the referee will usually not call a penalty and will allow the play to continue.
A strategy for players to score is to try and screen the goalie. To do this a player will stand at the front of the crease. As he is doing this, you will often see the goalie trying to see around the player or establish position beside the player as he comes out and blocks the shot. It is common for there to be a little shoving between the players.
However, the player wants to make sure that nothing is intentional because the NHL takes contact to the goaltender very seriously. Any deemed contact towards the goaltender will be deemed goaltender interference. And, with the addition of video review by the NHL, the most common review on potential goals is to see whether there was any contact between the player and the goalie. If there is any deemed contact by a player — in or out of the crease — that has impeded the ability of the goalie to get into position to make a save, the goal will automatically be disallowed.
The player is allowed to go into the crease even if the puck is not there, but again: they are not allowed to make any contact with the goalie.
If the puck is in the crease, the player has the ability to go into the crease to try and shoot the puck, and this may cause contact to be made with the goalie, which will be deemed valid as long as the player is going for the puck first. This is simply deemed as a fight for the puck, similar to a player trying to jockey for possession of a puck with a goaltender along the the boards.
Finally, you will often see a player push an opponent into a goaltender. The defensem*n is not doing this on purpose, but as they try to more the forward away from the front of the net what can happens is that they accidentally push him into his own goaltender. Below is a photo of a defensem*n pushing the opponent into his goaltender. The referee will not call this a penalty.
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Now, truth be told, the players are very smart and they often know when they are being pushed into a goaltender and will ‘let’ that happen and take the risk of it being deemed intentional. If they can fall on a goalie and get a goal or throw the goalie off his game, it is worth the risk.
Conclusion
So, don’t listen to your friend who says that goalies are fair game when they play the puck out of the net. You cannot hit the goalie when they are out of the net, or in the net for that matter. This is one of the oldest hockey myths and just not true!
Related posts:
- What Happens When a Hockey Goalie Gets a Penalty?
- What is the purpose of the goalie crease in hockey?
- What is the Trapezoid in Hockey? (with pictures)
- What happens when a goalie gets a penalty?
- Can you be in the goalie crease?
- Why do hockey goalies scrap the ice?
FAQs
A penalty for interference (Minor or, at the discretion of the Referee, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty) or charging (Minor or, at the discretion of the Referee, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty) shall be called where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goaltender.
How successful is pulling the goalie in hockey? ›
Keep in mind that the x-axis corresponds to the time when the goalie is pulled. For example, if pulling the goalie at t=19 min (01:00 game clock) there's a 30% chance of a goal against outcome.
Has pulling the goalie ever worked? ›
Does this actually work? In this context, success is defined as the trailing team either winning the game in regulation or more commonly, tying the game to send it to overtime after pulling their goalie. Among games with a one-goal deficit, the success rate has been around 15 percent for the past few seasons.
Can you lift the goalie's stick? ›
Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress. This is most often done in an effort to prevent the opponent from playing the puck and is considered a good defensive play.
Are you allowed to hit the goalie? ›
Is a player able to bodycheck the goalie like any other opponent on the ice? The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.
Can you hit the goalie if he leaves the crease? ›
In all cases in which an attacking player initiates intentional or deliberate contact with a goalkeeper, whether or not the goalkeeper is inside or outside the goal crease, and whether or not a goal is scored, the attacking player will receive a penalty.
Why don't you hit the goalie in hockey? ›
Protect your goalie.
USA Hockey's Minnesota District Goalie Coach-in-Chief Steve Carroll says it's important that the goalies don't get rattled by unwanted contact. “I think it really helps a goalie's confidence to know their teammates have their back if there is unwanted contact,” Carroll says.
Is goalie easy in hockey? ›
Is goalie the hardest position to play in hockey? Goalie is a difficult position, it requires learning to skate and make movements with more gear than skaters, however for many, it comes easier. Often young players will try goalie and become hooked, growing into the position with a background in skating out.
Is goalie the hardest position in hockey? ›
While goaltender is arguably hockey's most difficult position to play and excel, particularly as the level of play accelerates, the center's role is the most important to the action on the ice. Centers are involved with most faceoffs (a puck drop between two opposing players to restart play).
What happens if a goalie breaks his stick? ›
(c) A goalkeeper whose stick is broken may not go to the player s' bench for a replacement during a stoppage of play, but must receive his stick from a teammate. For an infraction of this rule a minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to the goalkeeper .
55.2 Minor Penalty - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who impedes the progress of an opponent by "hooking" with his stick. A minor penalty for hooking shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper who uses the shaft of the stick above the upper hand to hold or hook an opponent.
Can a hockey player hold 2 sticks? ›
It's illegal to play with two sticks—even if one of them is a goalie stick. In fact, playing while holding the goalie stick would normally violate another rule governing the dimensions of a player's stick, but that rule is waived in this specific situation.
What is not allowed in hockey? ›
Deliberately shooting or batting the puck outside the playing area. Deliberately displacing the goal from its normal position. Failure to provide the proper number of players on the ice surface after a warning from an official or for making an illegal substitution.
Is spraying the goalie a penalty? ›
This tactic is harmless to the goalie, but is an annoyance and can be called as an unsportsmanlike penalty if the referee deems that it was intentional.
Can a goalie take his mask off? ›
When a goalkeeper deliberately removes his helmet and/or face mask in order to secure a stoppage of play, the Referee shall stop play as outlined above and in this case asses the goalkeeper a minor penalty for delaying the game.”
Can you pull your goalie anytime? ›
For the unfamiliar: In hockey, each team is allowed six players on the ice, including one goalie. At any time, a team may choose to swap its goalie for a sixth attacker — a move that gives them an offensive advantage, but leaves their net wide open.
Can you pass back to goalie with knee? ›
Therefore, a team-mate can deliberately pass the ball to the goalkeeper by using the knee, leg (above the ankle) or any other part of the body (head, chest etc.), provided that the foot and/or the ankle has not been used at any stage.
Are you allowed to head the ball back to the goalie? ›
Players are allowed to head the ball back to their goalkeeper, or pass the ball back to their shot-stopper with any body part other than their foot.
Does playing hockey goalie hurt? ›
Most Common Injuries
For goalies, it's common for them to develop hip and groin-related injuries due to the mechanical and rotational movements required to play the position. Hip pain from a labral tear often presents sharp groin pain, which can be made worse when in a squatting or sitting position.
What happens if my knees hurt from being a goalie in hockey? ›
Knee Contusion – Goalies constantly encounter repeated and direct blows to the knee. Most contusions are minor and heal quickly with rest, ice, elevation, compression and anti-inflammatory medications. More serious knee contusions can lead to deep tissue damage and may require surgery.
The referee will not normally break up a fight unless the linesmen need assistance, or a fight is occurring where a player has gained a significant advantage over the other player, leading to concerns of significant injury.
What sport is goalie the hardest? ›
Plus, the goalie has to cover a much larger scoring plane than any other sport. Being a great soccer goalie is harder than being a great goalie in any other sport. Being the person that prevents the other team from scoring points in a game like soccer makes this the hardest position in my book.
Is hockey goalie fun? ›
Goalies are the most important players on the ice, and it's hard to have a proper match without one. Because of this, goalies often get special perks when participating in leagues, such as spending the most time on the ice and playing for free. Plus, being a goalie is also more fun than most people realize!
How do goalies not get hurt? ›
Speaking of cushioning, a great way to reduce the fear of getting hurt is to wear padded goalkeeper gear. Padded jerseys, padded pants, armoured crop tops and concussion headgear can all absorb the impact of hitting the ground or another player when diving.
Where do you put your weakest player in hockey? ›
A "weaker" player is more focussing on the forehand techniques. Therefore he/she will position him/herself with the left shoulder or even the back towards the goal recieving a pass from a co-player. In this position the stopping/control of the ball will be in forehand and a shot/push can be taken also in forehand.
What is the easiest position in hockey? ›
The easiest hockey position is a winger. It requires the fewest additional skills, unlike other positions. You should play left wing if you're left-handed and right wing if you're right-handed.
What does R mean in hockey? ›
R. Rover (ice hockey)
Why do goalies tape their fingers? ›
It helps to prevent excessive force being applied to the joints in the fingers when gripping and grappling. This increases your grip strength by moving the strength emphasis away from your fingers to your wrist and hands.
Can the goalie hold the ball forever? ›
Goalkeepers can only hold the ball for 6 seconds
To be fair, you might already know about this rule from playing on Fifa. If you hog the ball while controlling the goalkeeper, a little yellow symbol with a number six pops up, until you release the ball. This law isn't exclusive to Fifa, it's a real life rule too.
Are goalies allowed to use black tape? ›
NHL – link
A player may apply tape anywhere on his stick for reinforcement or to enhance control of the puck. He may use any color tape that he prefers. Goalies must use a knob of white tape or some other protective material approved by the league on the top of the stick that is a minimum of ½” thick.
The Pick Rule
It is not a legal play in the NHL. A player cannot step in front of another that is not in possession of the puck in order to take him out of the play. It is dangerous and can result in serious injury.
Can you push in hockey? ›
Yes, tackling is allowed. However, you are not allowed to use your body to push the opponent out of the way or block them. In hockey, tackling means you can play the ball and intercept as long as you do not make contact with the other player or his stick. If you do make contact with the attacker, you may be penalised.
Can you grab someone's stick in hockey? ›
In ice hockey, holding the stick is a penalty called when a player intentionally holds an opposing player's stick in his hands and between any part of his body (i.e. under arms or between legs) to restrict the opposing player's ability to play the puck. The referee will call a minor penalty for this infraction.
Can a goalie throw his stick? ›
The goalkeeper cannot throw their stick while in the crease.
Although a goalkeeper may use their stick to knock the puck away from an opponent's control, they may not do so by throwing their stick. A goalkeeper is subject to the same penalties as other skaters if they throw their stick.
Do NHL players reuse sticks? ›
Article content. It's not uncommon for NHL players to use a new stick every game and their teams pay for them — an average of about $200 per stick, which is about $100 less than they cost in a sports store. The regular season is 82 games — not including practices — so the stick bill for NHL teams can get very expensive ...
How much do hockey refs make per game? ›
Referees earn an incremental yearly increase and are expected to officiate up to 73 games per season. However, most refs will end up officiating between 50-73 games, earning between $1,500 and $5,000 each game, depending on their seniority level.
Who takes the penalty for the goalie in hockey? ›
While goaltenders can be assessed penalties, a goaltender cannot go to the penalty box and the penalty must be instead served by another player from their team who was on the ice at the time of the infraction (the PIM will be charged to the goaltender).
What happens if you kick the goalie? ›
Penalties can be severe including a goal kick and red card for players that endanger the goalkeeper.
Does the game stop if the goalkeeper is injured? ›
According to page 71 of the Laws of the Game there are four reasons to stop play for injury: a goalkeeper is injured. a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need immediate attention.
Has a hockey goalie ever gotten a penalty? ›
Yes, a goalie can get a penalty in hockey, and it happens all the time. The goalie can pretty much be called for a penalty on anything a player can be called for: slashing, high-sticking, tripping, roughing, fighting, delay of game etc.
Teams may dress up to 19 skaters in a game. Goaltenders. Teams may dress up to three goaltenders in a game.
Can a goalie cross the red line? ›
(c) If a goalkeeper deliberately participates in the play in any manner when they are beyond the center red line, a minor penalty shall be assessed.
How long can a goalkeeper hold ball? ›
Goalkeepers can only hold the ball for 6 seconds
This law isn't exclusive to Fifa, it's a real life rule too. Now, sometimes it can feel as if referees don't enforce this particular law. Especially when keepers cling on to the ball for dear life, often wasting time while their team is holding on to a slender lead.
Can you slide tackle a goalie? ›
Slide tackling is prohibited in all matches. Players are permitted to slide to play a ball provided they are NOT in proximity to any other player. If in the referees opinion the slide tackle is reckless and could injure a player, a Caution (Yellow Card) MUST be issued.
Can you pass back to the goalkeeper with your knee? ›
Therefore, a team-mate can deliberately pass the ball to the goalkeeper by using the knee, leg (above the ankle) or any other part of the body (head, chest etc.), provided that the foot and/or the ankle has not been used at any stage.
Can a referee get a red card? ›
"I was once involved in a game where both sides became so exasperated with the referee that we had to ask him to leave," recalls Paul Vale. "Which got me wondering – has a referee ever actually been sent off in a game of football?" At least two have, Paul, and on both occasions they showed themselves the red card.
Is goalkeeper the hardest position in sports? ›
It's the most challenging, isolated, unforgiving, position on the pitch. Football's a game that rewards goal scorers far more than the unsung heroes that prevent goals. So let's take a look at things from the keeper's perspective.
What is the biggest penalty in hockey? ›
A major penalty requires the offending player to sit in the penalty box for five minutes with no replacement. Misconduct penalties last for ten minutes, but unlike minor and major penalties, teams are allowed to replace the offending player for the duration of the penalty.
What is the biggest loss in hockey history? ›
The worst loss in NHL history belongs to the New York Rangers when they lost 15-0 to the Detroit Red Wings on January 23, 1944. This loss was so outstanding that the record has stood for 76 years, despite tens of thousands of NHL games having been played since.
