Situations in which a penalty is imposed in ice hockey

In ice hockey there are a number of situations in which penalties are imposed on players or teams. Penalties are penalties for infringements of the Laws of the Game and can affect the course of a match. Here are some typical situations in which penalties may be imposed:

1. Tripping: A player deliberately trips an opponent’s feet to knock him down.
2. High Sticking: A player raises the stick above the permitted level and hits the ball.
3. Delay of Game: A player commits an act that delays play, such as throwing the ball over the bar or off the glass.
4. Boarding: A player attacks an opponent’s back by pushing him/her into the side of the court.
5. Checking to the Head: A player makes an attack directed at an opponent’s head, which is a dangerous offence.
6. Slashing: A player hits another player with the stick.
7. Fighting: Players fight on the ice.
8. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Players engage in unsportsmanlike behaviour such as cheating or gestures.
9. Goaltender Interference: A player interferes with the goaltender by interfering with the goaltender’s defence.
10. Goaltender Interference: A player interferes with the movement of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.

These are just some of the situations in which penalties can be called in hockey. Penalties have different lengths (2, 5 or 10 minutes) depending on the nature of the offence. During a penalty, the team is outnumbered and the opponent can use the numerical advantage to create dangerous chances.