How to Properly Conduct a Penalty Shot in Ice Hockey

One rule that is very seldom seen in ice hockey is the penalty shot rule. It is a very exciting circumstance because it so rarely occurs. A penalty shot is essentially a breakaway for a player. He or she is the only one on the ice and gets one shot against the opposing teams goalie in an attempt to score a goal. Since it is very seldom seen, it is important that you know how to properly conduct a penalty shot in case the situation should happen to arise during the course of a hockey game.

The first thing the referee must do when assessing a penalty shot is to let everyone know what the call was with a proper signal. He or she should blow the whistle and put is arms above his head in a criss cross x shape, as that is the proper signal for a penalty shot. Any player on the ice at the time of the penalty call is eligible to take the penalty shot, so it is important to make sure you know who was on the ice at the time the incident occurred.

Once a player is chosen to take a penalty shot, the player shall stand near the center ice face off spot and one referee will take the puck and place it directly on the center ice dot. The referee will explain the rules to the player, telling him or her that he or she cannot start the penalty shot until the referee blows the whistle. Additionally, he will be informed that he or she only gets to take one shot with no rebounds and must continue with a forward motion during the course of the shot.

The other referee will stand on the goal line by the goaltender and explain the rules of the penalty shot to him or her. The goalie is must remain in the goal crease until the player touches the puck, at which point the goalie is allowed to exist the goal crease in an attempt to get a proper angle in which to block the shot.

Sources:

USA Hockey Rules

Composite Hockey Sticks