How to Get a Charging Penalty in Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a rough sport. Fortunately, for players, there are a number of rules in place that provide some protection against injury. The penalties vary in seriousness, ranging from 2-minute minor infractions to match or even multiple-game suspensions. Charging is one such penalty, and although it usually doesn't deserve more than a minor reprimand, it can be far more serious.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find an opponent to charge. You won't get penalized unless you have another player to check.

    • 2

      Distance yourself from your opponent, and give yourself room to build speed into the check.

    • 3

      Skate toward you opponent. Take at least three steps in doing so. This is the number of steps you need in order to get the charging penalty.

    • 4

      Watch out for players on the opposing team who might see you heading in for the check and try to take you out. Getting hit when you least expect it is dangerous, so stay alert.

    • 5

      Give your opponent a light body check to get a 2-minute minor penalty for charging.

    • 6

      Go in for an especially hard body check to get a double-minor, major or even a match penalty for charging. To get the match penalty, you'll really need to injure your opponent--or at least make an attempt. For obvious reasons, this is both unsportsmanlike and dangerous.