Can a goalie get a penalty in hockey

Understanding goalie-specific rules and protections

Goalies operate within a specialized framework of rules designed to protect them, given their vulnerable position and the necessity of their bulky equipment. The crease, a semi-circular area in front of the net, is largely considered the goaltender's domain, offering a sanctuary where opposing players are generally prohibited from initiating contact. This protection, however, does not grant them a free pass from all infractions. Many penalties that apply to skaters also apply to goalies, although their unique circumstances might alter the interpretation or the specific way the rule is enforced.

A crucial distinction for goalie penalties lies in their serving. Unlike skaters, a goaltender cannot serve their own minor or major penalty because it would leave their net undefended. Instead, a player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction serves the penalty on behalf of the goalie. This player is typically designated by the coach, often a forward or defenseman, and sits in the penalty box for the full duration of the penalty. This mechanism ensures that the team is still shorthanded on the ice, preserving the competitive balance and punitive nature of the penalty without compromising the defensive structure by removing the goaltender.

Common penalties goalies receive

Minor penalties (2 minutes)

Goalies are susceptible to a wide range of minor penalties, mirroring many of the infractions assessed to skaters. Some of the most frequently seen include:

• Delay of Game: This is arguably one of the most common penalties for goalies. It can be called if a goalie freezes the puck unnecessarily when no opposing player is an immediate threat, or if they intentionally dislodge their net. A classic scenario involves a goalie covering the puck outside the crease, especially when no pressure is applied by an opponent, as outlined in NHL Rule 63.2. This rule aims to keep the game flowing and prevent goalies from strategically stopping play to kill time or regroup their team. For instance, if a goalie catches a puck and holds it, but no opponent is within reach to make a play, they can be penalized.
• Roughing: While less frequent, goalies can be penalized for roughing if they engage in pushing, shoving, or even throwing a punch at an opposing player. Their equipment might make direct physical contact challenging, but any aggressive intent or action can lead to a penalty.
• Interference: If a goalie actively interferes with an opposing player's ability to play the puck or move freely outside the crease, they can be assessed a penalty. Within the confines of their crease, their actions are typically more protected, but stepping out and obstructing an opponent can lead to a call.
• Slashing: Using their stick to hit an opponent's stick or body, even in an attempt to defend or clear the puck, can result in a slashing penalty. This is particularly relevant when goalies use their stick to ward off attacking players around the net.
• Too Many Men on the Ice (Team Penalty): Although not directly served by the goalie, this team penalty can involve the goalie during a line change. If the goalie is pulled for an extra attacker, and the replacement skater enters the ice too early while the goalie is still heading to the bench, the infraction is assessed to the team, and a designated player serves the bench minor.
• Leaving the Crease During an Altercation: Goalies are expected to remain in their crease during general player altercations. If a goalie skates out to actively participate in a fight or scrum, they can receive a minor penalty, or even a misconduct if they engage further.

Major penalties (5 minutes) and game misconducts

For more severe infractions, goalies are subject to major penalties, often accompanied by a game misconduct, leading to their ejection from the game:

• Fighting: Though rare, goalies can engage in fights. Should a goalie drop the gloves and fight an opposing player, they will receive a major penalty for fighting, typically combined with a game misconduct. A memorable example involves goalies like Felix Potvin and Ron Hextall, who were known for their fiery temperaments and willingness to engage in fisticuffs.
• Cross-Checking, Boarding, Charging: If a goalie uses their stick or body in an overly aggressive or dangerous manner, especially outside the crease, they can face these severe penalties. For instance, a goalie aggressively checking an opponent behind their net while attempting to play the puck.
• Spearing or Butt-Ending: Intentional spearing (stabbing an opponent with the blade of the stick) or butt-ending (using the knob end of the stick) are extremely dangerous infractions that result in a major penalty and an automatic game misconduct.
• Abuse of Officials: Any player, including a goalie, who uses obscene gestures, abusive language towards an official, or physically abuses an official will be assessed a misconduct or game misconduct.

Specific goalie infractions and rule variations

Beyond the general penalties, goalies have a few specific rules unique to their position, primarily concerning puck handling and equipment:

• Playing the Puck Outside the Trapezoid: A prominent rule in the NHL (Rule 27.8) restricts goalies from playing the puck behind their net if they are outside a designated trapezoid-shaped area. If a goalie handles the puck with their stick outside this area, it results in a minor penalty for delay of game. This rule, sometimes colloquially known as "The Brodeur Rule" due to its implementation after Martin Brodeur's exceptional puck-handling prowess, was introduced to promote more offensive zone play and limit goalies from acting as an extra defenseman.
• Illegally Kicking the Puck: While skaters can kick the puck to their stick, a goalie cannot intentionally kick the puck into the net to score a goal. More commonly, if a goalie uses their pads or skates to deliberately pass the puck to a teammate outside their crease with an intent to delay the game or gain an unfair advantage, it can be called as a delay of game penalty.
• Equipment Violations: Goaltending equipment is strictly regulated for size and specifications. If a goalie's pads, blocker, glove, or stick are found to be illegal - for being too large, modified to gain an unfair advantage, or not conforming to league standards - they can be assessed a minor penalty for illegal equipment. These violations are often discovered during pre-game inspections or following a protest from the opposing team, as was famously seen with goalies like Pelle Lindbergh whose oversized pads led to rule changes. Depending on the severity and intent, multiple penalties or even a game misconduct could be issued.
• Throwing the Stick/Equipment: If a goalie throws their stick or any piece of equipment at the puck or an opposing player, it can result in a minor penalty or, more severely, a penalty shot, especially if it prevents a clear scoring opportunity. Rule 53 - Throwing Equipment - covers these scenarios in detail. For example, if a goalie slides their stick to block a shot on an open net, a penalty shot would be awarded.

Penalty shots and goalies

Certain infractions committed by a goalie can result in the awarding of a penalty shot to the opposing team, particularly if the action prevents a legitimate scoring opportunity. For instance, if a goalie intentionally dislodges the net when an opponent is on a clear breakaway, or if they throw their stick at the puck to prevent a shot from entering a largely open net, a penalty shot will be awarded. In such scenarios, the penalized goalie typically remains in the net to face the penalty shot (unless injured or ejected). If the infraction also warrants a minor penalty beyond the penalty shot, that penalty will still be assessed and served by a teammate.

A notable, albeit somewhat controversial, example occurred during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Canadian goalie Roberto Luongo was involved in an incident where his net was dislodged during a scramble. While no penalty shot was awarded in that specific instance due to the interpretation of the rules by the officiating crew at the time, it underscored the critical decisions made regarding goalies and net dislodgements in high-stakes situations, and how close a goalie can come to facing a penalty shot through their actions.

Impact of goalie penalties on game strategy

When a goalie is assessed a penalty, the strategic implications for both teams are profound. For the offending team, they immediately face a penalty kill, meaning they must play shorthanded with four skaters against five (or sometimes three skaters against five if it's a double minor or another penalty exists). This not only creates a numerical disadvantage but also forces the coach to select a player to serve the penalty, often a forward or defenseman, who is temporarily removed from the game. This can disrupt line rotations and fatigue key penalty killers.

For the power play team, a goalie penalty presents a golden opportunity. They gain the man advantage, and psychologically, the momentum can shift. Opponents often become more aggressive, sensing vulnerability. The risk of conceding a power-play goal drastically increases, making every goalie penalty a potential turning point in a game, especially during crucial moments or tight contests. Consequently, maintaining composure and discipline is paramount for goalies to avoid unnecessary penalties that can put their team in a precarious position and potentially alter the outcome of the game.