What Is Icing the Puck?

Some rules in ice hockey are designed to protect the players, while others are focused on maintaining the flow of the game. Icing is the second type of rule, designed to discourage teams from simply shooting the puck down the ice when they are experiencing pressure in the defensive zone. The rule states that the player controlling the puck must cross the red center line before shooting the puck to the other team's goal line. The icing rule will not apply if the other team's goaltender handles the puck, or if the team shooting the puck is killing a penalty.

Instructions

  1. Icing the Puck

    • 1

      Collect the puck anywhere in your team's half of the ice surface.

    • 2

      Shoot the puck toward the other end of the ice, using enough force to carry it all the way to the goal line at the other end.

    • 3

      Bank the puck off the boards, if opposing players prevent you having a clear path to shoot the puck. Try to have the puck carom off the boards at waist height, where it's difficult for opposing players to block it with a hip or their stick.

    Preventing an Icing Call

    • 4

      Keep the puck on your stick until you've reached the center line, before shooting it in.

    • 5

      Shoot the puck directly on the net. If the goaltender has to play the puck, it's not considered icing.

    • 6

      Outrace the opposing players, and be the first skater to touch the puck after it crosses the opposing team's goal line. This rule applies in the NHL and some other leagues, but not in international hockey.