What Does Icing Mean In Hockey?

By Edcel Panganiban April 21, 2024 10:34

Hockey is a fast-paced and intense sport with its own set of rules and terminologies.

One such term that often confuses newcomers to the sport is "icing." Understanding the concept of icing is crucial for both players and fans to appreciate the game fully.

What is Icing in Hockey?

Definition: In hockey, icing refers to the act of a player shooting the puck from behind the center red line across the opposing team's goal line, without the puck being touched by a player from either team.

When icing occurs, play is stopped, and the game resumes with a face-off in the defending team's zone.

Rules Governing Icing

Standard Icing Rules: The standard icing rule applies to most levels of hockey and is the most commonly recognized form of icing.

When a team is shorthanded due to a penalty, they are not penalized for icing the puck. This rule is designed to prevent teams from simply shooting the puck down the ice to kill time during a penalty.

Hybrid Icing: In recent years, some hockey leagues have adopted a variation of the icing rule known as hybrid icing.

This rule combines elements of both no-touch and touch icing. In hybrid icing, the linesman has the discretion to blow the play dead and call icing if they believe the defending player will reach the puck first, thus avoiding potential dangerous collisions into the end boards.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Icing the Puck on the Power Play: As mentioned earlier, under standard icing rules, a team that is shorthanded due to a penalty is allowed to ice the puck without facing further consequences.

But when a team is on a power play (having a numerical advantage due to the opposing team's penalty), they are not permitted to ice the puck. If they do, the play will be stopped, and a face-off will occur in their defensive zone.

Delayed Icing: Delayed icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line into the opposing team's zone, but the linesman delays the icing call because they believe an attacking player can reach the puck first.

This rule prevents the defending team from simply causing a stoppage in play by intentionally avoiding the puck.

Impact on the Game

Strategy and Tactics: Understanding the rules and implications of icing is crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies.

For the attacking team, icing can be used as a tactical move to relieve pressure in their defensive zone, especially when they are under siege from the opposing team.

On the other hand, the defending team can use icing to their advantage by forcing play stoppages and regrouping when they are under pressure.

Physical Toll: Icing can also have physical implications, especially in the context of potential collisions during the race for the puck.

With the adoption of hybrid icing in some leagues, there is an increased emphasis on player safety, as dangerous collisions into the end boards are mitigated.

Icing in hockey is a fundamental aspect of the game, influencing both the flow of play and the strategic decisions made by teams.

Understanding the different types of icing, the associated rules, and their impact on the game is essential for players and fans alike.

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