How Does a Goalie Serve a Penalty in Ice Hockey?

John Smith
In ice hockey, goalies are capable of getting penalties just like every other player or team officials. However, unlike other players, they do not have to serve all of their penalties themselves. Depending on the penalty, he or she may have to go the penalty box themselves, but for other penalties the goalie will not have to go to the penalty box, instead having one of his or her teammates serve the penalty on his or her behalf.

If a goalie gets a minor two minute, a five minute major penalty, or ten minute misconduct penalty in ice hockey, then he or she does not have to go the penalty box. Instead a player from the offending goalies team will serve the penalty. The player must have been on the ice at the time of the infraction and will be chosen by either the captain of the coach. Once the substitute player is chosen, then he or she must serve the penalty and the team cannot change its mind.

However, if a goalie receives a game misconduct penalty for a serious offense, then he or she is responsible for serving them penalty himself or herself. The goalie will have to immediately leave the ice and will be suspended for the remainder of the current game and the next game. A substitute goalkeeper is allowed to then take the place on the ice for the goalie that was given the game misconduct penalty. If the team does not have a substitute goalie, then a player or temporary goalie is allowed to take the place of the original goalie.

There are certain penalties that are only given to goalies in ice hockey, but are served by players on the goalies team. For example, if the goalie leaves the area of the crease during an altercation, the goalie will be assessed a two minute minor penalty. Another example of this is if the goalie intentionally participates in play that is occurring past the center red line. In ice hockey, goalies are allowed to play the puck in their defensive half of the ice, but as soon as they cross the center red line, they are automatically given a two minute minor penalty.

Sources:

USA Hockey Rules
Ice Hockey Helmet

Published by John Smith

John has been writing online for several years. An avid hockey player and fan, he is enjoys writing sports articles, but is familiar with a wide variety of topics.  View profile

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