What Happens when the Puck Goes Out of Bounds in Ice Hockey?

The game of ice hockey is played on an arena of a specified size. If the puck leaves this designated zone, then the referee will blow the whistle and stop play. This involves a number of situations depending on what the puck hits. For example, if the puck is shot over the glass then play is stopped. Another potential reason is if the puck becomes stuck on the back of one of the goal nets.

The most common situation in which play is stopped during an ice hockey game is when the puck either leaves the arena completely, or if it hits something inside the rink, such as the ceiling or a light. The next face-off will take place in a specified area depending on who shot the puck out of the arena in which his own they were standing in a time. If an offense if player shoots the puck out of the offending zone, and the face-off will be taken to the nearest neutral zone face-off dot. However if a defensive player shoots the puck out of the arena in his or her defending zone, then the face-off will take place where the player was standing. Occasionally a puck may be shot or deflected and end up stopping on the side of one of the boards, but not ever hitting the net above the glass. In this case, they will continue and players will be allowed to knock the puck off the boards using a hand or stick.

The same rules apply when the puck gets stuck on the back of the net. Depending on who is in possession of the puck last dictates where the face-off will take place. However, if a goalie purposely put the puck in the back of the net so that the play will be stopped, then he or she will be assessed a two-minute minor penalty for delaying the game. Additionally, a goalie can also receive only if he or she shoots the puck out of the arena directly over the high glass. This does not include shooting the puck into one of the team benches.

Sources:

USA Hockey
Carbon Hockey Sticks