Common Mistakes or Misconceptions

1) Off-side (two line) pass

Skates are the determining factor, not the puck. The puck may cross two lines and as long as the player has at least one skate touching the line, they are not offside.

2) Icing- Why is icing sometimes waved off?

Lack of effort by defensive player, player turned the wrong way and turning the right way would have ensured they had a chance to play the puck, defending team Is in the middle of a line change and team icing puck should not be punished for the other teams action.

3) Too Many Players on the Ice

This must be an intentional play! If the puck just hits a player coming off the bench it is not too many players.

4) Face-Offs - Why do centres get thrown out of the face-off circle?

Feet location – not in designated area, sticks placed in neutral zone, back players encroach into circle, centre's stick not down or stopped. It’s all part of being fair. Should one team be allowed to gain an advantage?  No!

5) Checking From Behind

Even if player turns, the onus is on the checker to avoid the hit. Officials are to err on the side of caution. This cheap, dirty play has no part in hockey! What if it was your child on the receiving end?

6) Delayed Penalties

Possession and control must be obtained by the offending team before the whistle is blown, not just a touch of the puck or a deflection off a goaltender.

7) NHL rules vs. Hockey Canada rules

What you see on T.V. is not necessarily the rules that are used in minor hockey. The NHL has different rules, procedures, and different application guidelines