Like most sports, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed when playing ice hockey. Players who break these rules are sent to the penalty box for varying amounts of time depending on the specific rule that was broken and the severity of the infraction.
This article will quickly explain the types of penalties that will result in a visit to the penalty box, which is also known in slang as the ‘sin bin’.
Penalty Categorization
First, it is important to know the types of penalties based on their severity, this is how we determine how long a penalty is and if the player who receives the penalty should be suspended from the current game (and potentially more).
Minor Penalties
The most common type of penalty handed out in hockey is the two-minute minor which is assessed for infractions such as tripping, hooking, interference, etc. The player is sent to the penalty box to serve the time but is released if the opposition should happen to score with the man advantage while on the power-play.
If a goalkeeper is assessed a minor penalty it is served by any teammate who was on the ice when the infraction occurred.
Bench Minors
A bench minor is a two-minute penalty which is assessed to the team rather than an individual player. The coach may choose any player on the squad to serve the penalty other than a goaltender. The most common reasons for bench penalties in the NHL are for too many men on the ice, faceoff violations and failed coach’s challenges.]
Double Minors
If a player receives a double-minor penalty it means he has been assessed two, two-minute minors which are to be served back to back. If the opposing team scores with the man advantage during the first penalty of the double minor it shall be nullified and the player then starts serving the second two minutes of the penalty.
If the opposition scores while the second two minutes are being served the player shall be released from the penalty box. The most common double-minors are handed out for high-sticking, butt-ending, head-butting and spearing. Like minor penalties, the goaltender doesn’t serve them as a teammate sits in the box for him.
Major Penalties
A major penalty means the player has been hit with a five-minute penalty and must serve the full five minutes in the penalty box no matter how many times the opposition may score while on the power-play. If a goalie receives a major penalty it is served by a teammate who was on the ice at the time of the infraction.
The most common major penalties are handed out for fighting, kneeing and boarding when the incident is ruled to have been more serious than just a minor infraction. The following major penalties also result in an automatic game misconduct: butt-ending, clipping, checking from behind, cross-checking, being the aggressor in a fight and fighting after an original altercation has started on the ice.
A player who receives a major penalty for boarding, charging or elbowing also receives an automatic game misconduct if the incident results in an injury to the opponent’s head or face. In addition, if a player receives three majors in one game he receives an automatic game misconduct.
Match Penalties
A player or coach who receives a match penalty is removed from the game for deliberately injuring or attempting to injure an opponent during the game. One of the player’s teammates must serve the automatic major penalty which comes with a match penalty.
If a goaltender is handed a match penalty he has to leave the game and can be substituted by the backup goalie or any other teammate. All match penalties are reviewed at the time of the incident by the on-ice officials and the penalty may be reduced at that time.
Read my related post “NHL Match Penalty vs Game Misconduct (What’s the Difference?)” here.
Misconduct and Game Misconduct Penalties
A misconduct penalty means the player must serve 10 minutes in the penalty box for his infraction but his team isn’t forced to play shorthanded. The player must remain in the penalty box until the next whistle once the 10 minutes have expired. Like most other penalties, goaltenders don’t have to serve their own time in the penalty box as a teammate who was on the ice at the time of the call is allowed to serve it for them.
A game misconduct means the player, including a goalie, has been tossed from the game for his infraction. The most common causes for 10-minute misconducts are verbally abusing an official, attempting to continue a fight, and instigating a fight. Most game misconducts result from a player intervening in an altercation, leaving the bench or penalty box to engage in an altercation, physically abusing an official and removing their jersey before a fight.
Read my full guide “NHL Game Misconduct Penalty Explained” here.
Coincidental Penalties
When it comes to coincidental penalties, the NHL rulebook can get quite complicated. To simplify things, coincidental or offsetting penalties can be minor or major penalties. When two or more players from each team are handed a penalty of equal length at the same time they both must serve the time in the penalty box but the teams continue to play at full strength.
This means the players aren’t allowed out of the penalty box until they have served the full penalty and the whistle is blown the next time to stop the play. As usual, a teammate can serve a goalie’s penalty.
If just one player from each team is handed penalties of the same length at the same time and there are no other players in the penalty box, each team plays one man short and the players are allowed back on the ice as soon as their penalty has expired. If one of the players also receives a 10-minute misconduct he must serve the full 12 minutes and a teammate will have to serve the minor penalty and leave the box as soon as the two minutes has expired.
Penalty Shot
In some instances, a referee may call a penalty shot instead of a penalty. A penalty shot is typically handed out when the puck carrier in the neutral or attacking zone is illegally hauled down from behind when in alone on the goaltender. Another of several reasons a penalty shot may also be called is when a defender other than the goaltender covers the puck with his hand in the goal crease.
A penalty shot sees the attacker pick the puck up at centre ice and skates in alone on the goaltender for a free shot. However he isn’t allowed to score on a rebound if the goalie makes a save or if the puck bounces back to him off of the crossbar or a goalpost.
Read all about the NHL Penalty Shot Rules here.
Delayed Penalty
There are two definitions for a delayed penalty in the NHL. Generally, a delayed penalty refers to an instance when a minor penalty is about to be called against the offending team but the whistle isn’t blown until the offending team gains possession of the puck.
As long as the non-offending team is in possession of the puck the play is allowed to continue. In most cases the team in puck possession will remove their goalie for an extra attacker at this time since the referee will blow his whistle and assess the penalty as soon as the offending team gains puck possession.
In addition, the league rulebook describes a delayed penalty under rule 26. This states that when a third player receives a penalty and there are already two teammates in the box serving penalties, the third player’s penalty doesn’t begin until one of the other two penalties has expired.
His team is also allowed to keep a player on the ice as each team must have at least three skaters and a goaltender on the ice while shorthanded. This means the teammate whose penalty has expired may only return to the ice at the next stoppage in play. If a player receives a minor and major penalty at the same time, the minor penalty is the first to be served.
33 Types of Penalties in Ice Hockey
When a referee hands out a penalty for most of the following infractions the length of the penalty is at his discretion as he may call a minor, major, game misconduct or match penalty depending on the severity of the incident and due to any injury which may have occurred. In addition, a penalty shot or an automatic goal may be given depending on the circumstance as well as further disciplinary action.
1. Boarding
When a player pushes or checks a defenceless opponent violently or dangerously into the boards it results in a boarding penalty. It’s up to the checking player to make sure the opponent he’s about to hit isn’t in a defenceless or vulnerable position upon contact.
Boarding is also called when a player makes unnecessary contact with an opponent into the boards while he is attempting to play the puck on an obvious offside or icing call. A major penalty is called if the player suffers a face or head injury and an automatic game misconduct will come with it.
For more on boarding, read the full guide here.
2. Charging
Charging occurs when a player jumps into, skates, or charges an opponent from a distance away on the ice. The penalty is generally called if the attacker has taken more than three skating strides to hit the opponent. Charging can be called if a player is knocked into the net, the boards, or in open ice. The penalty is also called when a player charges into a goaltender while he’s in his crease and in this instance it will result in a minor, major and game misconduct.
In addition, the goalkeeper doesn’t become fair game when he leaves the goal crease and a minor penalty is usually called if a skater runs into the goalie whiles he’s outside of the crease. Incidental contact with a goalie is allowed however if the goalie is playing the puck outside of the crease and the attacker makes a reasonable effort to avoid any contact with him. A major and automatic game misconduct are given if the player receives a head or face injury.
For more on charging, read the full guide here.
3. Checking from Behind
This is one of the rare infractions in which a minor penalty doesn’t apply, just a five-minute major and an automatic game misconduct. The NHL rule states that a checking from behind penalty should be called when a player hits an opponent who isn’t aware that a hit is coming and therefore can’t protect or brace himself for it.
Contact is made on the opponent’s back but if the player about to be hit intentionally turns his back to the attacker to create contact then a penalty isn’t called. If the attacker cross-checks, charges or pushes a defenceless opponent from behind it also results in a major penalty.
Read all about checking from behind penalty here.
4. Clipping
Clipping is defined as the act of a player throwing or lowering his body below or across the knees of an opponent from any direction. An illegal low hit is defined as a body check which is delivered by any player who may or may not have both of his skates on the ice and attempts to make contact with the opponent’s knee area. If the player is injured the penalty will be a major and automatic game misconduct.
Read all about the clipping penalty here in our full guide.
5. Elbowing
An elbowing penalty is called when a player makes contact with an opponent’s head or body with his elbow. A major must be assessed if the incident results in an injury to the player’s head or face.
Read all about the elbowing penalty and rules here.
6. Fighting
A fighting penalty is a five-minute major which is handed out when a player attempts to punch or repeatedly punches an opponent or when opponents wrestle with each other in a way which makes it difficult for the officials to intervene and separate them.
An aggressor of an altercation is a player who continues to throw punches on a defenceless or unwilling opponent and will be handed a major penalty for fighting along with a game misconduct for his actions. If a player is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation as well as the aggressor, he will receive a two-minute minor for instigating as well as a major for fighting, a 10-minute misconduct for instigating and a game misconduct for being the aggressor. Any player who engages in three fights in the same game is ejected from the contest.
The NHL defines an altercation as an incident involving at least two players with at one of them about to be be penalized. During a fight, all of the other players on the ice are to immediately head to the area of their players’ bench. If the fight takes place near a players’ bench the rest of the players are required to go inside of their own blue line. Goaltenders are required to stay in their crease in the event of an altercation unless it takes place in the crease area. Failure to comply with these rules could result in penalties.
7. Head-Butting
Head-butting is called when a player attempts to make contact or does make contact with an opponent by leading with his helmet or head. This results in a double-minor or major penalty and a match penalty if the opponent suffers an injury. If a major penalty is given then it also results in an automatic game misconduct.
8. Illegal Check to the Head
If a player hit’s an opponent and the opponent’s head is the main point of contact it results in an illegal check to the head penalty if head contact was deemed to be avoidable. In the NHL there are no provisions for a major penalty or game misconduct for this rule. However a match penalty and further discipline are handed out if the incident is ruled to be intentional.
Read more about checking to the head here.
9. Kicking
While kicking the puck on the ice is legal in hockey as long as you don’t kick it into the net, kicking an opponent is an extremely dangerous play. Any player who attempts to kick or does kick an opponent will be given a match penalty as well as an automatic major.
10. Kneeing
Kneeing is the action of making contact with an opponent with your knee area, usually on the opponent’s knee area as well. If the incident is serious enough to warrant a major penalty the offender will also be given an automatic game misconduct.
11. Roughing
When a player slams or punches at an opponent with or without a glove on his hand it will end up in a minor penalty for roughing. The penalty is also called if a player intentionally removes the helmet of an opponent during play. If a goaltender attempts to injure an opponent with his blocking glove or punches him with it a match penalty could be called.
12. Slew-Footing
Any player caught slew-footing shall receive a match penalty. Slew footing takes place when a player
uses a foot or leg to kick or knock an opponent’s feet out from under him. It’s also when a player pushes the upper body of an opponent backward with an elbow or arm and simultaneously uses his leg to take the feet of the opponent out from under him, causing him to violently fall to the ice.
Read all you need to know about slew-footing here.
13. Throwing Equipment
If a player throws a stick or any other type of object on the ice it’s going to be penalized with a throwing equipment infraction. It may also result in a penalty shot if the stick or object was tossed at a player who was in alone on the goaltender while in the neutral or attacking zone.
Also, if the stick or equipment was thrown while the puck was entering the net and interferes with it, an automatic goal may be called. If a player moves an opponent’s unbroken stick while it’s laying on the ice it will result in an penalty for interference.
However, there’s no penalty if moving the stick doesn’t interfere with the action or if the opposing player isn’t attempting to retrieve the stick. It’s also not a penalty if a player shoots a broken stick away on the ice and it doesn’t interfere with the play and/or the opposition.
If a player throws a stick or anything else outside of the playing area to protest an official’s ruling it will result in a misconduct and game misconduct. A bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct is given if any player or non-playing member of a team tosses anything on the ice at any time.
14. Holding
Holding is called when a player impedes or restrains the progress of an opponent regardless if the opposing player is in possession of the puck or not. Holding can be done by the attacker’s arms, hands or legs. However, a player is allowed to use his arm to block an opponent as long as he has body position on him and doesn’t use his hands in a holding manner. In addition, you’re not allowed to intentionally hold an opponent’s stick and doing so for any reason other than self protection will result in a minor penalty for holding the stick.
15. Hooking
Hooking takes place when a player uses his stick, usually the blade, to restrain or impede an opponent by placing it on the opponent’s body and tugging it. A major penalty and automatic game misconduct are imposed if the player who was hooked is injured on the play.
16. Interference
Interference occurs when a player impedes the progress of an opponent in any manner or who takes the body of an opponent who isn’t in possession of the puck at the time of contact. However a player doesn’t have to move his body position in order to let an opponent proceed and is allowed to stand his ground.
Also, a player is entitled to block the movement of an opposing player as long as he’s in front of the opponent and moving in the same direction. When it comes to possession of the puck, the NHL rules that the last player to touch it other than the goaltender, is considered to be in possession and may be legally hit as long as he is checked immediately after losing the puck.
An interference penalty may also be called when a player is physically forced offside and it results in a stoppage in play and if a player deliberately knocks the stick out of the hands of an opponent or shoots the opponent’s stick or article of equipment away on the ice while he’s attempting to retrieve it.
In addition, if a player shoots a stick or piece of equipment towards the opposing puck carrier it can result in an interference penalty and the same goes if a player on the bench or in the penalty box impedes the progress of an opponent on the ice or attempts to play the puck while both or one of his skates are on the bench. If an opponent is injured while being interfered with it results in a major penalty and automatic game misconduct.
Read my related post “NHL Interference Rule Explained (The Ultimate Guide)” here.
17. Tripping
If a player uses his stick or any other part of his body to cause an opponent to fall or trip it results in a tripping penalty. However the rule states that accidental trips which take place simultaneously with a completed play or at the stoppage of play won’t result in a penalty.
18. Butt-Ending
Butt-ending is when a player uses the upper shaft of his stick, usually the butt-end or knob, and jabs or attempts to jab it at an opponent. Butt-ending usually results in the recipient being hit in the body somewhere rather than the head. This infraction results in a double-minor penalty but if a major is called due to an injury it also comes with an automatic game misconduct.
19. Cross-Checking
Cross-checking is all too common in the game these days and it’s the action of using the shaft your stick between your hands and forcefully checking an opponent with it, usually in the midsection or back area. This is another infraction which comes with an automatic game misconduct if a major penalty is warranted.
Read all about cross-checking here in our full post.
20. High-Sticking
A high-sticking penalty is deserved when you carry your stick above the height of an opponent’s shoulders and strike him with it either deliberately or by accident. If accidental contact is made when a player is winding up or following through on a pass or shot then no penalty is called.
There’s also no penalty if the accidental contact takes place during a faceoff if the opposing centre is bent over. If the opponent is injured in the head or face area as the result of a high stick and blood is drawn or an injury results it will result in a double-minor penalty. The referee may decide to review the play by video if he calls a double-minor.
Read my related post “NHL High Stick Rule (The Ultimate Guide)” here.
21. Slashing
Slashing occurs when a player swings his stick aggressively or chops at an opponent with it. A penalty may be called whether or not contact is made. The penalty can be called if contact is made with the opponent’s stick, body or hands. If the slash results in an injury the perpetrator is given a major penalty and an automatic game misconduct.
Read my related post “NHL Slashing Rule Explained (The Ultimate Guide)” here.
22. Spearing
Spearing is the act of stabbing your stick blade towards an opponent and a penalty is dished out even if contact wasn’t made. If contact isn’t made it results in a double-minor penalty and if contact is made it means a major penalty and automatic game misconduct and if the opponent is injured it’s a match penalty.
23. Delaying the Game
There are numerous ways to receive a penalty for delaying the game including directly shooting the puck over the glass in the defensive zone. A penalty is called when a an official determines that an individual or team intentionally attempts to stall the action.
Delaying the game usually results in a minor or bench minor penalty with the most common causes being: too many players on the ice; objects being thrown onto the ice; intentionally knocking the net off of the moorings; a goaltender freezing the puck when there’s no attacker in the area; a player closing his hand on puck and an unsuccessful coach’s challenge.
Read my related post “NHL Delay of Game Rule (The Ultimate Guide)” here.
24. Diving/Embellishment
A diving/embellishment penalty should be handed out to any player who blatantly takes a dive or fall after coming in contact with an opponent or an opponent’s stick etc. A goalkeeper can also receive the penalty if he deliberately initiates contact with an opponent other than to establish his position inside of the crease or when he falls to the ice after incidental contact with an opponent.
This penalty is given out to punish players who are attempting to draw a penalty to the opponent. Often times one player will receive a penalty for tripping or hooking for example and the opponent may be nabbed for diving/embellishment on the same play as he tries to sell it to the referee.
25. Equipment
It’s the job of each player to make sure their equipment is well maintained and in playing condition at all times. All protective equipment other than headgear, gloves and goalie’s leg pads must be worn underneath the uniform. If it isn’t it will result in a minor penalty if the player has already been warned about it by the referee. In addition, the player won’t be allowed back on the ice until the issue has been rectified.
Also, a game won’t be stopped or delayed to allow a player to adjust his stick, skates, clothing or equipment. If a player attempts to stop or delay a game because of this it results in a minor penalty. If a goalie breaks a skate blade though the referee may stop the play if he chooses.
The referee won’t stop play however, if the goalie needs any other type of equipment repair or adjustment as he must leave the ice and be replaced by the backup netminder or receive a minor penalty for breaking the rule.
26. Handling Puck
A handling the puck penalty is given when a player or goalie illegally uses his hand on the puck.
A player will be penalized two minutes for closing his hand on the puck if he catches it and doesn’t immediately drop it to the ice. This means he can’t skate with it for any reason.
A penalty is also given if a player conceals the puck on the ice with his hand so an opponent can’t play it. If the player covers the puck with his hand in his own goal crease it will result in a penalty shot for the opposition. If a player picks the puck up from the ice while play is in motion he’ll be given a delay of game penalty. Also, the centre may not attempt to win a faceoff with his hand without receiving a penalty.
Goalkeepers must not cause unnecessary stoppages by holding the puck for more than three seconds unless an opponent is present or throw the puck towards the opposition’s net. They aren’t allowed to drops the puck on top of the net or into their pads either or deliberately piles snow up near the net to prevent a goal without receiving a penalty.
Read my related post “Can You Grab the Puck in Hockey?” here.
27. Illegal Substitution and Premature Substitution
An illegal substitution takes place when a player illegally enters action from either the penalty box or player’s bench. If he enters the ice on a line change before his teammate is ruled to have left the ice it results in a minor for too many men on the ice. If he leaves the penalty box before his penalty has expired or to take part in the game he’ll be penalized.
A premature substitution is when a goaltender leaves the net for the players’ bench when he’s being pulled for an extra attacker and a player jumps over the bench to replace him before the goalie is within five feet of the bench. If the non-offending team has puck possession the play will be allowed to continue. If the offending side has the puck the whistle will blow and a faceoff will take place rather than a penalty being called.
28. Goaltender Interference
Goaltender interference takes place when an attacker interferes with the netminder’s ability to make a save by positioning himself in the goal crease. It’s also when the attacker initiates physical contact with a goalie outside of the crease area with his stick or body.
However incidental contact is allowed as long as the attacker tried to avoid contact. A referee may disallow a goal due to goalie interference as well as call a penalty if he chooses. The infraction is also open to a coach’s challenge if the play results in a goal which is allowed to stand. If the attacker was shoved, fouled or pushed into the netminder by a defender, a penalty shouldn’t be called. But if the attacker pushes a defender into his own goalie and impairs his ability to make a save, a penalty is called and/or the goal disallowed.
Read all about goaltender interference here in the full guide.
29. Leaving the Bench
If a player leaves the penalty box or players’ bench during an altercation or to start an altercation it results in a penalty. He may also be penalized if he enters the game legally just to start an altercation with an opponent. In addition, players or a player who have legally entered the game and line-up for a faceoff and start an altercation shall be penalized.
30. Refusing to Start Play
Refusing to start play occurs when a team refuses to play by leaving the ice surface or by simply refusing to get on with the game while both teams are on the ice. It also takes place when a team refuses to enter the ice the start of the contest or any period of the game after the referee has ordered them to do so.
If both teams are on the ice the referee will give the offenders 15 seconds to start play and if they don’t it will result in a bench minor for delaying the game. If a team refuses to play again in the same game it will result in the offending coach being given a game misconduct. If the club still refuses to play the referee will call the game off and the offending team loses by forfeit.
31. Too Many Men on the Ice
A too many men on the ice bench-minor penalty is given when a player or players jump onto the ice to replace teammates on the fly during a line change and the players leaving the ice aren’t within five feet of the players’ bench and/or are still involved in the play.
Sometimes a team may play with one or two extra players for an extended period of time before an official recognizes the mistake and calls a penalty. When a player has served a penalty he must also be within five feet of his bench before he can be replaced by a teammate.
If there is under two minutes to play in a game or the team is currently serving two or more penalties and deliberately places an extra man on the ice it means there is insufficient time to serve a minor penalty for too many men on the ice. In this instance a penalty shot will be awarded to the non-offending team.
When a goaltender has been pulled for an extra attacker in regular-season overtime, he has to wait for the next stoppage in play before he can return to the net. If the goalie attempts to leave the bench and return to the net while the play is still going on it results in a bench minor penalty.
32. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
There are numerous reasons why a player, coach or other non-playing member of a team could receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for their behaviour before, during or after a game both on and off of the ice. This conduct can result in a minor, major, misconduct or game misconduct penalty.
Some of the most common reasons are spitting, abusive, obscene or profane gestures and/or language; biting, removing a jersey before an altercation, throwing objects on the ice, and pulling hair.
33. Abuse of Officials
When a player or non-playing member of a team is assessed an unsportsmanlike penalty for abusive conduct towards an official, the NHL imposes rule 39, which states that a bench-minor, minor, misconduct or game misconduct penalty may be imposed and the incident will be reported to the league for possible further punishment.
If an official is physically abused the offender receives a game misconduct as well as an automatic suspension until the league reviews the incident and decides what the punishment should be. The automatic suspension could be 3, 10 or 20 games depending n the specific circumstances and result of the incident.
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.
