Five Types of Hockey Goals

Hockey has a cult following in many places around the world, particularly Canada. It's not uncommon to hear Canadians and other hockey fans avidly discussing the rules of the game or recalling great plays. When it comes to goals, there are several types--those defined in the official rules and those that are part of hockey jargon.

  1. Common Goals

    • In professional hockey, most goals are typically scored at even-strength or on a power play. Even-strength goals occur when both teams have the same number of skaters on the ice. A "power-play goal" occurs when one team has more players because the opponent is being penalized. When a player breaks a rule, he is sent off the ice for two, four or five minutes, depending on the severity of the infraction. If the penalized team scores, it is referred to as a "shorthanded goal."

    Empty Net Goals

    • Occasionally at the end of a hockey game when a team is trailing, it will pull its goalie off the ice and replace him with an additional skater. Sometimes, though, the shorthanded team gets the puck in the empty net to seal the victory. This is known as an "empty net goal."

    Breakaway Goals

    • Breakaway goals occur when a skater breaks free from the opposition and has a clear path to the goaltender. Breakaways occur naturally during shootouts that decide tie games after overtime in the NHL. Teams alternate breakaways in a best-of-three-competition.

    Highlight Reel Goals

    • Hockey announcers often refer to "highlight reel goals." These are extraordinary goals that are often included in highlight packages on TV. Players such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Alexander Ovechkin are known to produce an exceptional number of these goals.

    Back-Breaking Goals

    • Hockey aficionados refer to some goals as "back-breaking goals," or goals that turn the momentum in a game or seemingly secure the outcome.