Most hockey fans are familiar with the concept of icing. But for those who are not, let’s start by defining what icing is. Icing is the act of shooting the puck from behind the center line across the opposing team’s goal line. The purpose of icing is to make it harder for the other team to score by forcing them to go the long way around the ice. When a team ices the puck, the opposing team is awarded a faceoff in their own zone.
What Are the Rules for Icing in Hockey?
Icing is a rule that is regulated by the National Hockey League (NHL). According to the NHL, icing is defined as any time a player shoots the puck past the red line at the opposing team’s end of the ice. If the puck is shot from anywhere on the ice, and it goes beyond the other team’s goal line, it is considered icing. There are some exceptions to the rule, however. If the puck is shot from behind the center line and is then touched by any member of the opposing team before crossing the goal line, it is not considered icing. Additionally, if the puck is shot from behind the center line and is stopped by the opposing team’s goalie before crossing the goal line, icing is not called.
Why Is Icing Important? (3 Reasons)
Icing is an important part of the game of hockey because it keeps the game moving. Icing helps prevent teams from “stalling” by keeping the puck in their own zone. It also keeps the game from becoming too lopsided by giving the team that was iced an opportunity to gain possession of the puck in the offensive zone. Here are three reasons why icing is important in hockey:
1. Prevents Stalling
As mentioned, icing helps prevent teams from stalling in their own zone. This is especially important in games that are close in score. If a team is able to keep the puck in their own end for an extended period of time, it can be difficult for the opposing team to score. Icing helps keep the game moving by requiring the team that was iced to go the long way around the ice in order to regain possession of the puck.
2. Keeps the Game Even
Icing also helps to keep the game even, as it allows the team that was iced to gain possession of the puck in the offensive zone. This gives them a better chance to score and can help to prevent one team from dominating the game.
3. Encourages Offensive Play
Icing also encourages teams to play offensively. Since a team that ices the puck can’t gain possession in the offensive zone until the other team has had a chance to gain possession of the puck and clear it out of their zone, it encourages teams to take more offensive chances. This results in a more exciting style of play and makes the game more enjoyable for both players and fans.
Key Facts About Icing in Hockey
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What is icing? | Icing is the act of shooting the puck from behind the center line across the opposing team’s goal line. |
| What are the rules of icing? | The NHL defines icing as any time a player shoots the puck past the red line at the opposing team’s end of the ice. Exceptions include if the puck is touched by an opposing player before crossing the goal line or is stopped by the opposing team’s goalie before crossing the goal line. |
| Why is icing important? | Icing is important in hockey because it prevents teams from stalling, keeps the game even, and encourages teams to take more offensive chances. |
Conclusion
Icing is an important part of hockey for a variety of reasons. It helps keep the game moving, keeps it even, and encourages teams to take more offensive chances. Icing also helps to prevent teams from stalling in their own zone. While the rules of icing can be confusing, understanding them is an important part of the game.
FAQs
Q: What is icing in hockey?
A: Icing is the act of shooting the puck from behind the center line across the opposing team’s goal line.
Q: What are the rules of icing in hockey?
A: According to the NHL, icing is defined as any time a player shoots the puck past the red line at the opposing team’s end of the ice. Exceptions include if the puck is touched by an opposing player before crossing the goal line or is stopped by the opposing team’s goalie before crossing the goal line.
Q: Why is icing important in hockey?
A: Icing is important in hockey because it prevents teams from stalling, keeps the game even, and encourages teams to take more offensive chances.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the rule of icing?
A: Yes, there are exceptions to the rule of icing. If the puck is touched by an opposing player before crossing the goal line or is stopped by the opposing team’s goalie before crossing the goal line, it is not considered icing.
Q: What happens when a team ices the puck?
A: When a team ices the puck, the opposing team is awarded a faceoff in their own zone.
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