Hooking in Hockey is when a player uses his stick to slow down or prevent an opposing player from making a play on the puck or getting into a better position on the ice. The result of this infraction is a usually a 2-minute Minor Penalty but can warrant a 5-minute Major Penalty depending on the severity of the infraction.
Following the lockout year in 2005, there has been a spike in hooking penalties called by referees, with the hopes of decreasing injury and speeding up the pace of the game.
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- Video Example of Hooking in Hockey
- Referee Signal for Hooking
- Penalties for Hooking
- Official NHL Hooking Rule Text (Rule 55)
- Hooking vs. Holding
Video Example of Hooking in Hockey
This clip is a great example of what a hooking infraction looks like in an ice hockey game. The Canadians player (white jersey, #65) is battling with a Ducks player (black jersey, #45) for position in front of the net. As the shot comes in, it rebounds off the goalie and into the corner.
As both of them are skating towards the puck, the Canadians player’s stick can be seen getting caught around the midsection of the Ducks player. Not only does this action slow down, but it causes him to fall, allowing another Canadians player to gather the puck. Following this, the referee calls the Canadians player for a Hooking penalty.
Referee Signal for Hooking
Tugging motion with both hands, starting away from the body and moving inwards toward the stomach.
Penalties for Hooking
In most cases, Hooking in Hockey will result in a 2-minute Minor Penalty. However, depending on the severity of the infraction, the referee can issue a 5-minute Major Penalty.
Furthermore, if a player uses his stick to hook an opposing player causing an injury, whether intentional or not, a 5-minute Major Penalty plus Game Misconduct Penalty can be assessed. The guilty player is also automatically fined $100 if a Game Misconduct Penalty is assessed.
Official NHL Hooking Rule Text (Rule 55)
55.1 Hooking - Hooking is the act of using the stick in a manner that enables a player or goalkeeper to restrain an opponent. When a player is checking another in such a way that there is only stick-to-stick contact, such action is not to be penalized as hooking.
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.
55.3 Major Penalty - A major penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who injures an opponent by "hooking."
Hooking vs. Holding
The act of Hooking in Hockey and Holding in Hockey are very similar as both fall within the “restraining fouls” category. Both include actions that prevent an opposing player from making forward progress. During a Hooking infraction, a player will use his stick to restrain an opposing player. However, a Holding infraction is the use of the hands, arms, or legs to restrain an opposing player.
Another key difference between the two is that Holding infractions can only warrant a 2-minute Minor Penalty. Hooking infractions can warrant a 2-minute Minor Penalty, along with a 5-minute Major Penalty and Game Misconduct Penalty.
I've been immersed in hockey for years, studying the game from various angles. My knowledge spans rule intricacies, player strategies, and the impact of rule changes. The spike in hooking penalties post-2005 is a fascinating shift aimed at game safety and pace enhancement. Referees have become more vigilant in calling hooking infractions to curb injuries and maintain the game's flow.
Let's break down the concepts:
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Hooking in Hockey: It involves a player using their stick to impede an opponent's progress, leading to a 2-minute Minor Penalty or a 5-minute Major Penalty based on severity, especially if it results in injury.
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Referee Signal for Hooking: It's a clear tugging motion with both hands, starting away from the body and moving inwards toward the stomach.
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Penalties for Hooking: Most cases result in a 2-minute Minor Penalty. However, severe cases or those causing injury might incur a 5-minute Major Penalty or a Game Misconduct Penalty.
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Official NHL Hooking Rule Text (Rule 55): It defines hooking as using the stick to restrain an opponent, but stick-to-stick contact isn't penalized. Minor penalties are imposed for impeding an opponent's progress, and majors for causing injury.
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Hooking vs. Holding: Both are restraining fouls, but holding involves using hands, arms, or legs to restrain. Holding usually leads to a 2-minute Minor Penalty, while hooking can escalate to a 5-minute Major Penalty and a Game Misconduct Penalty.
The video example of hooking in action beautifully illustrates how a player's stick impedes the opponent, causing a fall and consequent penalty.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial in appreciating the nuances of penalties in hockey. It's not just about penalizing players but ensuring the safety and integrity of the game.
