What happens when a goalie catches the puck?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on July 10, 2026
Goalkeepers also receive a minor penalty when they hold the puck in any such manner which results in the unnecessary halt in play. Like all other players, if a goalie bats the puck into the crowd with their hand or stick they end up with a minor penalty for delay of game.
Can a goalie catch a puck in the net?
Since the goalie's strategy is to come out from the goal line and the crease to stop the puck, often a goalie will stop the puck outside the crease either catching the puck there or having the puck fall to the ice and then covering it up. Both of these situations are perfectly legal.
Is the goalie allowed to handle the puck?
The goaltender may legally hold (or freeze) the puck with his hands to cause a stoppage of play. If a player from the other team hits the goaltender without making an attempt to get out of his way, the offending player may be penalized.
Can hockey goalies throw the puck?
The NHL rulebook specifies that a goaltender is not permitted to throw the puck forward.
When can a goalie not freeze the puck?
A goaltender may not come out of their crease to deliberately freeze the puck. If the goaltender's body is completely outside the crease, a delay of game penalty will be given to that goaltender. If the goaltender comes out of their crease to stop a shot and in so doing, freezes the puck, this will not be a penalty.
15 related questions foundCan a skater freeze the puck?
(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper who deliberately freezes the puck along the boards or goal frame for the purpose of delaying the game.
Can a goalie leave the crease?
Goaltenders can leave their crease to make a save or play the puck – as long as it's not in the trapezoid or beyond center ice. If they leave the blue paint to join a scrum, they'll be serving time.
Can you close your hand on the puck?
Hockey players are not allowed to catch or throw the puck at any time during a hockey game. Catching a puck with a closed hand can result in a minor penalty for closing your hand on the puck.
Can you touch puck with hands?
67.1 Handling Puck - A player shall be permitted to stop or “bat” a puck in the air with his open hand, or push it along the ice with his hand, and the play shall not be stopped unless, in the opinion of the Referee, he has deliberately directed the puck to a teammate in any zone other than the defending zone, in which ...
Is tripping legal in hockey?
Tripping is the action of placing your hand, elbow, leg, knee, foot, or stick in front of an opposing player so that they may fall or lose their balance as a result. This action is not permitted in hockey games.
Does a puck have to cross the whole line?
For a goal to be scored, the puck normally must entirely cross the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar of the goal frame. A goal is not allowed under any of the following conditions: the puck is sent into the goal from a stick raised above the height of the crossbar.
Where can a goalie freeze the puck?
A goaltender may freeze the puck in the goal crease when under pressure from attacking players. The goaltender comes out of their crease to cut down the angle and, after stopping the shot, covers the puck or catches the shot. This is legal.
Can a goalie cross the red line?
The goalie is not allowed to be involved in the play at all over the red line into the opponent's zone. This includes both playing the puck or checking an opponent. If the goalie does either of these things he will receive a two minute minor penalty. This rule can be found in the NHL rule book under section 27.7.
What happens if a goalie plays the puck outside the trapezoid?
If a goalie plays the puck behind the net and outside of the trapezoid, the referee signals for a delay of game penalty. This penalty is only a minor penalty, and the other team has a one-man advantage for two minutes.
Can a goalie get called for high sticking?
The goalie will typically not be called for high-sticking in the net, as they more often than not use their hands to bring down the puck or save a goal. It is when the goalie is out of the net that high-sticking could be called.
Can a goalie throw his stick?
A goalie doesn't usually get the same treatment as the skaters in front of him. But, a goalie cannot let go of his stick either. Some times, a goaltender will try and poke the puck away from a skater with his stick. To do that, he has to loosen his grip on the “paddle” and let it slide all the way to top.
Does the NHL still do penalty shots?
This rule only applies to regular season games. Upon observing any of the above scenarios, an official will signal a penalty shot by raising his crossed arms above his head with his fists clenched, and then point to centre ice. In the NHL, officials signal a penalty shot by just pointing to centre ice.
How long can you hold the puck?
A player cannot hold the puck for three seconds. A player can skate the length of the ice in almost three seconds – this would fundamentally alter the way the game is played.
Can you touch the puck?
Unlike soccer, hockey rules allow players other than goalies to use their hands on the puck. While soccer fans know that no player can touch the ball except the goaltender-quick pause here to say, "Go Sounders!" in the MLS title game Sunday - there are times when NHL players can use his hands on the puck.
Can hockey players kick the puck?
A player can kick the puck at anytime during a game of hockey without penalty, and is done often. A player may use his skate to direct or deflect the puck into the net. However, a player is not allowed to kick the puck into the net to score a goal.
Is snowing the goalie a penalty?
Is snowing a goalie a penalty in hockey? If the referee determines that a player has intentional snowed a goalie then it will be called as an unsportsmanlike penalty, which is a 2 minute minor penalty.
Why can't goalies play the puck in the corners?
The goaltenders are only allowed to play the puck inside of the trapezoid when the puck goes behind the net. The idea was that this would limit the goaltender's ability to retrieve the puck for their team and would give the attacking team a greater chance at winning possession of the puck deep in their offensive zone.
Is it legal to check a goalie?
The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.
Can a player pick up the goalie stick?
The National Hockey League rules state that the only way for a goaltender to receive a new stick during play is to have it brought to him by a teammate. Generally, it is legal to pick up your goaltender's stick as long as you do not play the puck while holding it.