Icing is one of the most commonly misunderstood rules in hockey. While it seems simple at first, different leagues have variations of icing rules, and it plays a critical role in game strategy, especially in late-game situations.
Understanding how icing works, when it’s enforced, and what exceptions exist can help both players and fans appreciate the flow of the game.
What Is Icing in Hockey?
Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from their side of the red center line and it crosses the opposing team's goal line without being touched. The play is stopped, and a faceoff takes place in the defending team’s zone.
The rule is designed to prevent teams from simply dumping the puck down the ice as a delay tactic or defensive strategy.
How Does Icing Work?
Standard Icing Procedure
- A player shoots the puck from behind the red center line into the opponent’s defensive zone.
- The puck crosses the goal line without being touched.
- If an opposing player reaches the puck first, the play is whistled dead.
- The faceoff is taken in the offending team’s defensive zone.
Types of Icing in Hockey
Different leagues use different icing rules, and knowing these variations is essential.
1. Touch Icing (Traditional Icing Rule – Rarely Used Today)
- The opposing team must physically touch the puck for icing to be called.
- This rule was historically used but was phased out due to injury risks from high-speed races to the puck.
2. No-Touch (Automatic) Icing
- Icing is called as soon as the puck crosses the goal line, with no need for a player to touch it.
- This speeds up the game and reduces dangerous collisions near the boards.
3. Hybrid Icing (Used in the NHL & Many Leagues Today)
- The linesman determines who would reach the puck first once it reaches the faceoff dots.
- If the defending player is ahead, icing is called immediately.
- If the attacking player has a chance to reach it first, play continues.
Hybrid icing maintains game flow while prioritizing player safety, making it the most commonly used rule today.
Exceptions to the Icing Rule
1. When a Team is Shorthanded (Penalty Kill Icing)
- Teams that are killing a penalty are allowed to ice the puck without a stoppage.
- This gives shorthanded teams a way to clear the puck and reset defensively.
2. If the Puck Deflects Off a Player
- If the puck deflects off a player (including a goalie) before crossing the goal line, icing is waived off.
3. If the Opposing Team Can Play the Puck
- If the referee determines that the defending team had a chance to touch the puck but didn’t, icing may not be called.
4. Goalie Interaction
- If the goalie leaves the crease to play the puck, icing is automatically negated.
Icing Strategy & Game Impact
Icing isn't just a rule—it's a strategic factor in hockey.
When Teams Use Icing to Their Advantage
- To relieve defensive pressure: If a team is under heavy attack, they might ice the puck to stop play and reset.
- To slow the game down: If a team is winning late in the game, icing can disrupt the opponent’s momentum.
Why Icing Can Be Risky
- No line changes allowed: In the NHL, the team committing icing cannot make a line change, potentially leading to tired players stuck on the ice.
- Faceoff disadvantage: The faceoff after icing takes place in the defensive zone, giving the attacking team an offensive opportunity.
Teams must balance using icing strategically while avoiding unnecessary stoppages that could put them at a disadvantage.
Conclusion
Icing is a fundamental rule in hockey that prevents teams from exploiting long-distance clearing as a defensive strategy. While automatic icing speeds up the game, hybrid icing has become the standard in leagues like the NHL to balance player safety with continuous play.
Understanding icing helps fans follow the game more closely and gives players a better grasp of when to use or avoid icing in different game situations.
