Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Minor Penalties (2 Minutes)
The penalised player sits in the penalty box for 2 minutes of playing time. Their team plays short-handed (e.g., 5-on-4). The penalty expires after 2 minutes or when the opposing team scores, whichever comes first. Common minor penalties include:
- Tripping, hooking, holding, slashing, interference, cross-checking, high-sticking (no injury), roughing, delay of game, too many players on ice
7.2 Double Minor Penalties (4 Minutes)
Two consecutive 2-minute penalties served by the same player. If the opposing team scores during the first 2 minutes, the first penalty is terminated, but the second 2-minute period remains. Common double minor: high-sticking that draws blood.
7.3 Major Penalties (5 Minutes)
Five minutes served in full regardless of goals scored. Often accompanied by a game misconduct (ejection). Common major penalties include:
- Boarding (violent check into the boards), charging (excessive strides before a check), checking from behind, fighting (IIHF: match penalty instead)
7.4 Misconduct and Game Misconduct
- Misconduct (10 minutes): The player serves 10 minutes, but the team does NOT play short-handed (a substitute serves any concurrent minor/major). Typically for unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive language.
- Game misconduct: Player is ejected for the remainder of the game. Substitute may take their roster spot after any concurrent minor/major time expires. Reported to IIHF for potential supplementary discipline.
- Match penalty: Player ejected for deliberate intent to injure or fighting. Automatic minimum 1-game suspension. The team plays short-handed for 5 minutes.
7.5 Penalty Shot
Awarded when a clear scoring opportunity is illegally denied, typically:
- Fouling a player on a breakaway from behind
- Displacing the goal during a scoring attempt
- A defending player (other than the goalkeeper) covering the puck in the crease
- A defending player deliberately throwing a stick or object at the puck in the defending zone
The fouled player (or a player chosen by the captain) takes the puck from centre ice and attempts to score in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The play ends when the puck is shot, stopped by the goalkeeper, or passes the goal line.