No, you generally cannot hold the puck against the boards in hockey if it causes a stoppage of play, as this action typically results in a penalty.
Understanding the Rule on Holding the Puck Against the Boards
Under the official rules of hockey, any player, including a goaltender, who holds or freezes the puck along the boards or even the goal frame in a manner that causes a stoppage of play will be assessed a minor penalty for delay of game. This rule is crucial for maintaining the flow and continuity of the game.
Why is this Rule in Place?
The primary purpose of this rule is to ensure that hockey remains a dynamic and continuous sport. It prevents players from intentionally stopping the game to:
- Gain an unfair advantage (e.g., allow teammates to change lines).
- Run time off the clock when their team is leading.
- Avoid a difficult play or a potential turnover.
By penalizing such actions, the rules encourage active play and discourage tactics that slow down the game or prevent legitimate puck battles from unfolding.
What Constitutes a "Hold" or "Freeze"?
While players are expected to engage in intense puck battles along the boards, a "hold" or "freeze" goes beyond legitimate competition for possession. It typically involves a deliberate act where a player:
- Pins the puck: Uses their body, stick, or skate to trap the puck against the boards, making it inaccessible to other players.
- Causes a stoppage: The puck becomes unplayable, forcing the referee to blow the whistle and stop the play.
Examples of actions that would likely result in a penalty include:
- A player intentionally falling on the puck against the boards to cover it.
- Using a stick to wedge the puck firmly against the dasher, preventing any player from retrieving it.
- Trapping the puck under a skate against the boards when not under direct pressure from an opponent.
It's important to distinguish this from a genuine puck battle where both teams are actively trying to gain possession, even if the puck is temporarily stationary against the boards. The key factor is the intent to stop play and the resulting stoppage.
Consequences of a Delay of Game Penalty
When a player is assessed a minor penalty for holding or freezing the puck against the boards:
| Action | Penalty Type | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Holding/Freezing puck along boards | Minor | Two minutes in the penalty box for the |
| (causing stoppage of play) | offending player; opposing team gets a | |
| power play (numerical advantage). |
This means the offending team will play shorthanded for two minutes, giving the opposing team a significant advantage to score a goal.
