Penalty shot (ice hockey)

A penalty shot in ice hockey is a free and unimpeded shot on goal awarded to a player who has been illegally prevented from a clear scoring opportunity. It is a significant opportunity for the attacking team.

Awarding a Penalty Shot

A penalty shot is generally awarded when a player, while on a breakaway towards the opponent's net with only the goalie to beat, is fouled from behind, hooked, tripped, or otherwise illegally impeded by a member of the opposing team. Specifically, the following situations can result in a penalty shot:

• A player is illegally checked from behind while on a breakaway.
• A player is fouled (e.g., hooked, tripped, slashed) while on a breakaway.
• A defending player (other than the goalie) intentionally dislodges the net from its moorings when the attacking team has a clear scoring chance.
• A defending player other than the goalie deliberately falls on the puck in the crease.
• A defending player illegally interferes with a player who has an empty net.
• In some leagues or situations, an intentional hand pass in the defensive zone may result in a penalty shot.

Execution of a Penalty Shot

The penalty shot is executed as follows:

1. Designation of Shooter: The non-offending team chooses a player to take the shot. Typically, the player who was fouled will take the shot, but the coach has the option to select another player.

2. Positioning: The player taking the penalty shot begins their attempt from the center ice face-off spot.

3. Movement: Once the referee blows the whistle, the player must continuously move the puck towards the net. They cannot stop completely. Dekes and puck handling are permitted. The player may not shoot the puck more than once. If the player loses control of the puck, the penalty shot is over.

4. Goaltender: The goaltender must remain in their crease until the player touches the puck. After the player touches the puck, the goaltender may move within the crease to attempt to save the shot. The goaltender is not permitted to throw their stick or any object at the puck or the shooter.

5. Completion: The penalty shot is completed when:

   • A goal is scored.
   • The goaltender makes a save, and the puck leaves the zone.
   • The player shoots the puck and misses the net entirely.
   • The player loses control of the puck and no longer has possession.
   • The attacking player commits a penalty during the attempt.
   • The period or game ends before the penalty shot is completed.

Outcomes

If a goal is scored on the penalty shot, the play is stopped, and play resumes with a face-off at center ice. If a goal is not scored, the play continues as normal, unless the period or game has ended.

Historical Context

The penalty shot was introduced to ice hockey to discourage blatant fouls that prevented clear scoring opportunities. Its implementation has varied slightly over time and across different leagues (NHL, AHL, European Leagues, etc.), but the fundamental principles remain the same.