What is Considered a Legal Pass in Ice Hockey?

One of the things that all hockey players need to be able to do is to make a legal pass. Hockey is a team sport, so if you do not work together, then there is a good chance that the team will not be very successful. Passes occur all throughout the game of hockey, as it helps players move the puck up the ice in a very fast manner. A pass is when one player uses his or her stick to shoot the puck up to one of his or her teammates. A stick does not always have to be involved, but it is the most common form of passing. Players are also allowed to kick the puck up to other players, but the hands cannot be used to pass the puck unless the team is in their defending zone.

Passes can occur in any zone of the hockey rink, whether it is the defensive, offensive, or neutral zone. However, if a team is going to pass into the offensive zone, then the puck must enter the zone before any of the players on the offensive team. If the players precede the puck into the zone, then the play will be considered off sides, and the referee will blow the whistle to stop the play. Once the puck has completely crossed the blue line into the offensive zone, then players can enter the zone and pass the puck around in an attempt to score a goal.

When a player touches the puck then he or she is considered to be in possession of it. So, if a player deflects the puck and it goes to a teammate who happens to score a goal, then the player who tipped the puck should receive an assist on the goal. This rule doesn't apply when the puck is deflected off of the goalie, as technically possession will not have changed. However, if the goalie takes control of the puck, then the opposing team will not be considered to have possession of the puck. If this occurs, players on the other team who had previously touched the puck will no longer be responsible for receiving an assist if a goal is scored.

Sources:

USA Hockey
Carbon Hockey Sticks