What is Boarding in Hockey? Understanding the NHL’s Boarding Penalty (2024)

Boarding in Hockey is a hit on a defenseless player that causes them to go dangerously into the boards. This will include checking, or tripping, an opposing player into the boards. Standard body checking is legal, but where Boarding differentiates itself is when a player makes contact with a player when the receiving player is not aware of an incoming hit or hasn’t touched the puck, also known as a “defenseless” player. Additionally, Boarding will be called if a player hits a defenseless player with no intention of going for the puck.

In most cases, if a player hits a defenseless player in the back, causing the player to go “face-first” into the boards, it will most likely be called a penalty. Following an infraction like this, it is up to the discretion of the referee to determine the severity of the hit, and what type of penalty it deserves, which we will discuss more in-depth in this article.

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  • Video Example
  • Referee Sign
  • The Consequences of Boarding
  • Official NHL Boarding Rule Text (Rule 603)
  • Boarding vs. Charging
  • Actions That Cause Boarding Penalties

Video Example

The video above shows the Nashville (yellow jersey) player hit the Avalanche (white jersey) in the back, with force, into the boards. There are a few factors as to why this a Boarding penalty. One, the Nashville player hit the Avalanche player in the back, without attempting to make a play on the puck. Two, the Nashville player hit the Avalanche player well after he got rid of the puck, and had enough skating room to not make contact.

Referee Sign

What is Boarding in Hockey? Understanding the NHL’s Boarding Penalty (1)

The Boarding sign is when the referee uses a “punching” motion of one hand and moves it towards, and makes contact with, the open palm of the other hand. The other hand will be in a vertical position. The movement will take place right in front of the referee’s chest.

The Consequences of Boarding

As alluded to earlier, it is up to the referee to determine the severity of a Boarding play. There are four different outcomes when this situation occurs.

If a player wasn’t hit hard, but was hit from behind and was deemed defenseless, the referee will usually call a Minor Penalty (two minutes). If the hit on a defenseless player is more severe, the referee can call a Major Penalty (five minutes), a Major Penalty plus game misconduct (ten-minute penalty and not allowed to play the rest of the current game), or a Match Penalty. Match penalties will usually be called if it is apparent that a player had the intent to injure the opposing player.

Official NHL Boarding Rule Text (Rule 603)

“Boarding is the action where a player, pushes, trips, or body checks an opponent causing them to go dangerously into the boards. This includes: Accelerating through the check to a player who is in a vulnerable position, driving an opponent excessively into the boards with no focus on or intent to play the puck, or any check delivered for the purpose of punishment or intimidation that causes the opponent to go unnecessarily and excessively into the boards.”

Boarding vs. Charging

Charging is very similar to boarding, however, unlike boarding, a charging play can take place anywhere on the ice, whereas boarding requires a defenseless player to get hit into the boards. A defenseless player refers to one that no longer has possession of the puck, or his back turned to the opposing (hitting) player.

The physical act of charging is exactly what it sounds like; a player charging at an opposing player, from a far distance, and slamming into them with great force. So, what differentiates charging from a standard body check? The biggest factor is the distance traveled and is always up to the referee’s discretion as to what is, or is not, a charging call.

The general rule of thumb is that if a player “takes a run” at an opposing player that is five or more skating strides away and hits them, they (infracting player) will always get called for a charging penalty.

Actions That Cause Boarding Penalties

There are a few actions that a player can commit that will lead to the referee calling a Boarding penalty every time. They are:

  • Violently contacting defenseless player
    • Back turned away from the play
    • No longer has the puck
    • Hitter has no intentions of playing the puck
  • Contact into the boards
  • Initial contact to the head
What is Boarding in Hockey? Understanding the NHL’s Boarding Penalty (2024)

FAQs

What does boarding mean in hockey? ›

(Note) Boarding is the action where a player pushes, trips or body checks an opponent causing them to go dangerously into the boards.

What's a boarding penalty in hockey? ›

"41.1 Boarding - A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to hit or impact the boards violently or dangerously. The severity of the penalty, based upon the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee.

What's the difference between boarding and Charging in hockey? ›

Charging. Charging is very similar to boarding, however, unlike boarding, a charging play can take place anywhere on the ice, whereas boarding requires a defenseless player to get hit into the boards.

What is a boarding major penalty? ›

In college ice hockey, the player does not need to be injured for it to be a major penalty. Boarding is usually assessed against a player when the opposing player is hit 4–5 feet away from the boards and hits one's head against the boards on the way down.

What is the difference between boarding and checking? ›

Boarding is the next step after completing your check-in. Passengers get into the aircraft after completing their check-in through websites, counters or kiosks. The difference between boarding and check-in is boarding is done vis-a-vis while check-in can be done through mobile phones.

Is boarding legal in hockey? ›

Boarding is a penalty when a player checks a defenseless opposing player into the boards. Defenseless means that he has his back to the checking player or no longer has a play on the puck.

What are the three penalties in hockey? ›

What are the three classifications of penalties in hockey? For hockey, there are 3 main types of penalties which include minor penalties, major penalties, and game misconducts. The most common is a 2-minute minor penalty but certain actions can result in a 5-minute major penalty or even a game misconduct.

What are 3 minor penalties in hockey? ›

Minor penalties are two minutes in length and include: Tripping, hooking, boarding, spearing, slashing, roughing, holding, high sticking, elbowing and charging.

What are the three classifications of penalties in hockey? ›

The different types of penalties are: minor, major, misconduct, match penalties and penalty shots.

Why do NHL players put money on the board? ›

Getting a new car is among the many reasons an NHL player is expected to put “money on the board” — a time-honored tradition in which players write a dollar amount up on the whiteboard before a game in an effort to fire up their teammates.

Is it a penalty to trip another player in hockey? ›

(b) A major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who recklessly endangers an opponent as a result of tripping, clipping or leg checking.

How long do hockey players stay in the penalty box? ›

Standard penalties are 2 minutes in length and players serve their penalties in the penalty box. While a penalty is being served, the opposing team receives a man advantage opportunity called a Power Play. A Power Play lasts for the duration of the penalty.

What is the difference between a major and minor penalty in hockey? ›

A minor penalty is the lowest severity penalty and lasts for two minutes. A major penalty requires the offending player to sit in the penalty box for five minutes with no replacement.

What is a 5 minute major penalty in hockey? ›

(a) For a “MAJOR PENALTY ,” any player , except the goalkeeper , shall be ruled off the ice for five minutes, or the designated major penalty time, during which time no on-ice substitute shall be permitted.

What is the difference between a match penalty and a major penalty? ›

In the NHL, a match penalty and a game misconduct are virtually identical in application. However, a match penalty carries a larger fine, and the offending player is suspended indefinitely until the Commissioner rules on the issue.

What are the 3 types of boarding? ›

There are several types of boarders depending on the intervals at which they visit their family. Full-term boarders visit their homes at the end of an academic year, semester boarders visit their homes at the end of an academic term, weekly boarders visit their homes at weekends.

What do you mean by boarding? ›

Definitions of boarding. the act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft. synonyms: embarkation, embarkment. Antonyms: debarkation, disembarkation, disembarkment. the act of passengers and crew getting off of a ship or aircraft.

What is boarding with example? ›

Boarding is the entry of passengers onto a vehicle, usually in public transportation. Boarding starts with entering the vehicle and ends with the seating of each passenger and closing the doors. The term is used in road, rail, water and air transport (for example, passenger board a coach).

Can you carry the puck with your stick? ›

Cradling the puck on the blade of the stick (like lacrosse) above the normal height of the shoulders shall be prohibited and a stoppage of play shall result. Keep that puck below shoulder height, and you're in the clear.

Can hockey players grab puck in air? ›

Players are permitted to stop or "bat" a puck in the air with his open hand but must immediately place or knock it down to the ice.

Is boarding a 5 minute major? ›

Major Penalty for Boarding

Unlike a Cross Checking Major, boarding doesn't automatically result in a game misconduct. The recipient must have sustained an injury to the face or head to reach that level. As a result, the offending player will return to the ice following a full 5 minutes in the box.

What is the most severe penalty in hockey? ›

Match penalties are the most severe classification of penalties in hockey. A match penalty is assessed when a player has committed an act that has the intent to injure the opponent severely. If a player is assessed a match penalty, they must leave the game and are not allowed to return.

What is the most common penalty in the NHL? ›

List of the most common penalties
  • High Sticking.
  • Headbutt.
  • Abuse of Officals.
  • Cross-checking.
  • Roughing.
  • Charging.
  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
  • Too Many Men.

What is the most penalties in a hockey game? ›

The most penalties awarded in an NHL game is 85 when the Edmonton Oilers played the Los Angeles Kings in Los Angeles, California, USA on 28 February 1990.

What are the 5 rules of hockey? ›

Basic Rules
  • Legal teams are 5 skaters and a goalie. ...
  • All Leagues: Games are 30 minute straight play. ...
  • No over-time during the regular season; tie games will be recorded as such.
  • No slap shots (shots taken from above the waist) at all - not during warm-ups or games.
  • Offside & icing is called in the Granite League only.

How many penalties in hockey before you eject? ›

(b) Any player , except in Adult age classifications, who receives four penalties in the same game shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty . Any Adult player who receives five penalties in the same game shall be immediately ejected for the remainder of the game with no further suspension.

Can 2 players take a penalty? ›

During a penalty shootout, the kicks are taken alternately by each team. A different player must take every kick. The only time a player can take a second penalty kick is if every other player on a team has taken a kick and the scores are still tied. At this point, each team rotates through all their players again.

What is the difference between penalty stroke and penalty corner in hockey? ›

The penalty corner ends when a goal is scored, the ball is played over the back line and another penalty corner is not awarded, a penalty stroke is awarded, the defending team is awarded a free hit, or the ball travels more than 5 metres outside the circle (i.e. beyond the dotted line outside the shooting circle).

How many penalties can you get in hockey? ›

Any player that receives four penalties in the same game will be assessed a game misconduct. If a team is whistled for 12 penalties in a game, the coach will receive a one-game suspension.

Which classification carries the most severe penalty? ›

Felonies are the most serious type of crime and are often classified by degrees, with a first degree felony being the most serious. They include terrorism, treason, arson, murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and kidnapping, among others.

Do NHL players get meal money? ›

Players receive per diem at the start of training camp. It is very much needed, considering they are not paid their salaries until the regular season.

Why do people wave towels at hockey games? ›

Rally towels came to professional hockey by accident in 1982. Outraged by a string of unfavorable calls in a road game during the conference finals, Vancouver Canucks coach Roger Neilson draped a white towel over a player's stick and waved it above his bench in mock surrender.

Why do hockey players raise their sticks at the end of the game? ›

This is tradition doesn't really happen at the youth levels, but it has increasingly become a custom of hockey players at upper levels for the home team to do a stick salute after each game or series. The simple act gives them an opportunity to show their appreciation of the fans that come to watch them play.

What happens if a player mistakenly hits another player's ball? ›

I played a ball that is not mine – what do I do? A. In match play, you incur a loss of hole penalty. In stroke play, you get a two-stroke penalty and must correct your mistake by playing your ball (see Rule 6.3(1)).

Is stepping on a stick a penalty? ›

ANSWER: If the official is certain the offending player is trying to break the opponent's stick (by stepping on it multiple times) then a minor for Unsportsmanlike Conduct could be assessed to the offending player.

Is checking from behind a penalty in hockey? ›

Section Six - Playing Rules Page

(b) A major penalty plus game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who recklessly endangers an opponent, or causes them to go head first into the boards or goal frame, as a result of checking from behind.

What is the semicircle outside the penalty box for? ›

Answer: It's for penalties, when players have to be at least 10-yards from the penalty spot. That semi-circle marks exactly 10 yards from the spot.

What happens if you leave the penalty box early? ›

A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who leaves the penalty bench before his penalty has expired, unless it resulted from an error by the Penalty Timekeeper. In all situations, the player shall serve the remaining penalty time. If a Penalty Timekeeper error occurred, no additional minor penalty assessed.

When can a linesman not stop the play? ›

The infraction must: 1) constitute an “injury potential” penalty (see Glossary), 2) occur behind the play, and 3) have been unobserved by the Referee. Rule References 503(e) and Glossary. The Linesman does not stop play for these infractions, but reports to the Referee at the next normal stoppage of play.

What does AAA and AA mean in hockey? ›

USA Hockey designates four skill levels: Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA", following the Canadian system. Tier 2: also called "AA" or "A". Tier 3: may also be called "A", the lowest level of competitive hockey. Recreational/Developmental: Includes house league and select.

What is the Gretzky rule in minor hockey? ›

The Gretzky Rule stated that when there were coincidental minor penalties, instead of each team playing with one fewer skater, the number of players on the ice would not change.

How do you get a double minor penalty in hockey? ›

18.3 Infractions: Here are all the penalties that qualify for double-minors on their own: butt-ending, head-butting, high-sticking, and spearing. Otherwise, two minor penalties on the same player is the only other way to incur a double-minor.

How long can you hold a puck? ›

(c) Play shall be stopped and an end zone face-off taken when a goalkeeper holds the puck for more than three seconds while being pressured. If not pressured, after a warning by the Referee, a goalkeeper shall be assessed a minor penalty for delay of game.

What is a 10 minute penalty in hockey? ›

(a) A “MISCONDUCT” penalty involves the removal of a player , other than a goalkeeper , from the game for a period of 10 minutes, or the designated misconduct penalty time, with immediate substitution taking place on ice.

What Is A 2/10 in hockey? ›

ANSWER: If a player receives a Minor and Misconduct penalty he must serve the entire twelve minutes (2+10) consecutively. The additional player his team must place in the box is serving the shorthanded time (not the Minor itself).

What is a boarding penalty? ›

Boarding in ice hockey and ringette is a penalty called when an offending player pushes, trips or checks an opposing player violently into the boards (walls) of the hockey rink. This article deals chiefly with ice hockey.

Does a goal cancel a major penalty? ›

Double minor penalties are always treated as two separate minor penalties. X must serve his major penalty first. A major penalty cannot terminate as the result of a goal scored.

Is cross checking a major or minor penalty? ›

59.1 Cross-checking – The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent. 59.2 Minor Penalty – A minor penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent.

How do you win board battles in hockey? ›

One of the best techniques to achieve success in puck battles is by employing the hips. Using the hips to separate opposing player's hips from the puck creates a wall of protection around the puck. By creating this wall, the defender's first option is to try to push the puck carrier forward into the boards.

How do you play hockey board game? ›

【How To Play】Start the game and place five pucks on each side of the board. Slide both ends of the elastic band into the side grooves so that they snap into place. Whoever clears the board wins first.

What are the 3 types of hockey passes? ›

Field Hockey Passes
  • Push Passes. A push pass is often the first pass a field hockey player will learn. ...
  • Drives. A drive is typically used when trying to get the ball to a teammate who is further away on the field or to making a shot attempt on goal. ...
  • Sweeps. A sweep hit is generally used when playing on a turf field.
1 Apr 2015

What is Rule 56 in hockey? ›

Rule 56 of the NHL Rule Book states: If a player penalized as an instigator of an altercation is wearing a face shield, he shall be assessed an additional Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.

Why do they let them fight in NHL? ›

Allowing fighting makes the sport safer overall by holding players accountable. Fighting draws fans and increases the game's entertainment value. Fighting is a hockey tradition that exists in the official rules and as an unwritten code among players.

What are 3 basic rules in a hockey game? ›

Basic Rules

Legal teams are 5 skaters and a goalie. Players may play on only one team. If teams compete with "borrowed" players, the game is recorded as a forfeit for the short-handed team. All Leagues: Games are 30 minute straight play.

What is a pizza in hockey? ›

Pizza: A brutal pass up the middle of the ice intercepted by the opposing team.

What is cheese in hockey? ›

Cheese: the top shelf of the net. Chiclets: teeth. Chirp: to trash talk the opposing team. Clapper: a slapshot. MORE: Men's ice hockey national championship history | USCHO rankings | Scores.

What is a scissor play in hockey? ›

defenseman at the point activates, skating between the puck carrier and the boards. As they meet the puck carrying forward leaves the puck for the defenseman then attempts to take the opposing defender with him, creating space for the puck carrying defenseman to move into or pass.

Why do refs change players on a faceoff? ›

An official may remove the player taking the face-off if the player or any players from the same team attempt to gain an unfair advantage during the face-off (called a face-off violation). When a player is removed, one of the teammates not originally taking the face-off is required to take the face-off.

What is a sauce pass in hockey? ›

The saucer pass is an ice hockey technique in which the puck is passed to another player in such a way that it flies in the air like a flying saucer. This makes the pass more difficult to intercept by opposing players but it will still land flat on the ice making it simple to control for the receiving player.

What are 5 fouls in hockey? ›

Penalties are also given for stick fouls like slashing, spearing, hooking, holding, tripping, cross-checking and high-sticking. Penalties can also be given for other infractions such as delay of game, too many men on the ice, and unsportsmanlike conduct.

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