Hockey Rules - Complete Guide for Ice Hockey
Learn the essential ice hockey regulations, from game structure to penalty rules. Perfect for new fans and players.
Game Structure
Ice hockey games are divided into three periods of play:
- Regular Time: Three 20-minute periods with intermissions between periods.
- Running Clock: The clock stops during stoppages of play (penalties, goals, icing, etc.).
- Face-offs: Used to restart play after each stoppage.
Scoring Rules
A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar:
- 1 Point:Each goal is worth exactly one point. There are no 2-point or 3-point goals in hockey.
- Assists:Up to two assists can be awarded to players who touched the puck before the goal scorer.
- Power Play Goal:A goal scored while the opposing team has a player in the penalty box.
- Disallowed Goal:Goals can be disallowed for kicking, high-sticking, or goaltender interference.
Penalty Types
Hockey penalties range from minor infractions to major violations:
Minor Penalty (2 minutes)
The most common penalty. Player serves 2 minutes in the penalty box. Ends early if the opposing team scores.
Examples: Tripping, hooking, slashing, interference, holding, high-sticking
Double Minor (4 minutes)
Two consecutive minor penalties. If a goal is scored, only the first 2 minutes are removed.
Examples: High-sticking causing injury, drawing blood
Major Penalty (5 minutes)
Served in full regardless of goals scored. Often results from fighting or severe infractions.
Examples: Fighting, boarding, checking from behind
Misconduct (10 minutes)
Player sits out 10 minutes but team doesn't play short-handed (another player serves any concurrent penalty).
Examples: Unsportsmanlike conduct, abuse of officials
Game Misconduct
Player is ejected for the remainder of the game. May include automatic suspension.
Power Play Rules
When a team has a player advantage due to an opponent's penalty:
Power Play (PP)
The team with more players on the ice. Common situations: 5-on-4, 5-on-3, or 4-on-3.
Penalty Kill (PK)
The shorthanded team trying to prevent goals until their player returns.
- Minor Penalty Release: If the power play team scores, the penalized player is released early.
- Major Penalty: The full 5 minutes must be served regardless of goals scored.
- 4-on-4: When both teams have a player in the box, teams play at even strength.
- 5-on-3: When the opposing team has two players in the box simultaneously.
Overtime & Shootout
When games are tied at the end of regulation:
Regular Season Overtime (NHL)
- 5-minute sudden death overtime period
- 3-on-3 hockey for faster action
- First team to score wins
Shootout
- If overtime ends tied, teams go to a shootout
- Best of 3 shooters, then sudden death rounds
- Each player takes a penalty shot against the goalie
Playoff Overtime
- Full 20-minute periods at 5-on-5
- No shootout - play continues until someone scores
- Some games have gone to multiple overtime periods
Key Hockey Terms
Icing
Shooting the puck from behind center ice across the opposing goal line without it being touched.
Offside
When an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck.
Hat Trick
When a player scores three goals in a single game.
Empty Net
When a team pulls their goalie for an extra attacker, leaving the net unguarded.
Face-off
How play is started or resumed; the puck is dropped between two opposing players.
Slapshot
A powerful shot where the player winds up and strikes the puck with force.