Understanding Ice Hockey: What is a Delayed Penalty?

In ice hockey, typically penalties are not called right away, but instead use a delayed penalty system. A delayed penalty occurs when a player on a team commits an offense that warrants a penalty. Instead of blowing the whistle right away, the referee waits until the offending players team takes possession and control of the puck.

Because of delayed penalties, the opposing team has a slight advantage until the offending team takes possession of the puck. Usually when a delayed penalty is signaled, the opposing team will pull their goalie and receive an extra player on the ice, increasing their chances of scoring a goal. This is done because the offending team cannot score on the team with no goalie, as the whistle will be blown by the referee as soon as they come into possession of the puck.

It is fairly easy to recognize when a delayed penalty is about to be called. If you see a play that appears as though it should be a penalty, then you should look at the referee. If he is signaling a delayed penalty, then he or she will have one of his or her arms raised straight up, perpendicular to the ice. You have to be careful though and make sure that it is truly a delayed penalty that the referee is signaling, not just a delayed icing or similar situation.

Not all penalties in ice hockey use the delayed penalty method. For example, if players take coincidental penalties, that is if one player from each team takes a penalty at the same exact time, then the whistle is blown immediately and both players are taken to the penalty box before either team comes into possession and control of the puck. Another situation that can occur that does not result in a delayed penalty is if one or more players take a penalty at a stoppage of play. Obviously there is no way that the opposing team could take possession of the puck since the play is already stopped, so the penalty is immediately called and the player is escorted to the penalty box to serve his or her time.

Sources:

USA Hockey Rules
Ice Hockey Helmet