Are you allowed to hit the goalie in hockey?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 09, 2026
The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.
Why can't you hit a goalie in hockey?
Goalies aren't completely protected, just from the same unnecessary hits that every other player is protected from. I understand that, but that rule is about charging. Rule 69.2 specifically states that any contact with a goalie results in a penalty.
Is spraying the goalie a penalty?
This tactic is harmless to the goalie, but is an annoyance and can be called as an unsportsmanlike penalty if the referee deems that it was intentional. There are times when a forward or defensemen who are on the ice could get snowed by another player, but 99% of the time the player that gets snowed will be the goalie.
Why are hockey goalies protected?
“Goalies often feel isolated. Knowing they are going to be protected by their teammates makes them feel more a part of the team. Knowing they have the support of their teammates also allows the goalie an opportunity to spend more time focusing on stopping the puck and helping their team win.”
What is an illegal hit in NHL?
Now Rule 48.1 declares an illegal check to the head as "a hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head was the main point of contact and such contact to the head was avoidable." You're going to ask the obvious follow-up.
32 related questions foundAre goalies allowed to body check?
Yes, a goalie is allowed to come out and play the puck, but they still receive protection under the rules of play and cannot be body checked.
Is checking legal in hockey?
Any form of body checking is illegal if a player does not have possession of the puck. Also, any hit above the shoulders or to the head will automatically be considered a penalty. Types of illegal checking include: Cross-Checking.
Who protects the goalie in hockey?
Defensemen: the dream team
Their main task is to protect their own goal from attacks by the opposing team and to get the puck for their own team. Like the other skaters on the, the two defenders take on different tasks.
How far out can a hockey goalie go?
The rules allow a goalie to cover the puck outside the crease if it is part of blocking a shot then freezing the puck immediately. Otherwise, a goalie who comes outside of the crease to freeze the puck will be assessed a 2 minute penalty for delay of game.
Do goalies fight in hockey?
Hockey is so physical that something as minimal as snowing the opposing goalie starts fights. Face it, the only comparison other sports can make to hockey's most violent act is perhaps the days of the ABA—made prevalent to the current generation through movies like Semi-Pro.
Is snowing the goalie legal?
Goalies hate to have "snow" sprayed in their face, and his teammates are usually there to back up their goalie when an opposing player violates this unwritten rule. If the goalie has control of the puck and the whistle blows, don't go spraying his face with snow.
Are you allowed to touch the Stanley Cup?
When the Cup is on display to the public, people are allowed to touch it, but they cannot lift it. Lifting the Cup is reserved for those who have won it. But hockey lore says someone who touches the Cup but has not won it will never win it. As for the players who win the Cup, they can do anything with it.
Are goalies allowed to leave the crease in hockey?
Goaltenders can leave their crease to make a save or play the puck – as long as it's not in the trapezoid or beyond center ice.
Why do goalies raise their hand?
The reason why players put their hands up when they score against their old team is simply it is a sign of respect towards their previous team. Many players who have left a team for one reason or another and happen to move to a new team in the same division, will often get the chance to play against their old team.
Can you lift a goalie stick?
Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress. This is most often done in an effort to prevent the opponent from playing the puck and is considered a good defensive play.
Can a goalie get a penalty in hockey?
While goaltenders can be assessed penalties, a goaltender cannot go to the penalty box and the penalty must be instead served by another player from their team who was on the ice at the time of the infraction (the PIM will be charged to the goaltender).
Can goalies play the puck?
A goalie can play the puck anywhere between the red line in the middle of the ice surface and the goal line at the end of the rink and in the trapezoid area behind the net. If the goalie plays the puck outside of these areas it will result in a two minute penalty.
Is the goalie allowed to handle the puck?
Goaltender Penalties
Goalies are permitted to hold the puck in their hands for up to three seconds if they aren't in jeopardy of being checked by the opposition. If they hold the puck for longer than three seconds while there are no opposing players in the vicinity they are assessed a minor penalty for delay of game.
Why is it called five hole?
According to Merriam-Webster, “The concept of the five-hole likely originated with Jacques Plante, NHL goalie and author of the 1972 book On Goaltending. Plante numbered five 'holes' in the net that goalies needed to protect: four at the corners of the net, and the hole between the goalie's legs.
What can a goalkeeper do?
The goalkeeper's primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring (moving the ball over the defended goal-line within the frame of the goal). This is accomplished by the goalkeeper moving into the path of the ball and either catching it or directing it away from the vicinity of the goal line.
What are the rules for a goalkeeper?
Rules for Goalies:
- Once in possession of the ball, they have 6 seconds to pass it to another player.
- They can kick or throw the ball to a teammate.
- Goalies can not use their hands if the ball is kicked back to them from a teammate. ...
- Goalies must wear unique clothing different from the jerseys worn by the other players.
Are open ice hits legal?
Body checking
This is often referred to as simply checking or hitting and is only permitted against an opponent with possession of the puck. Body checking can be penalized when performed recklessly.
Are hockey players allowed to jump?
Rule 42 - Charging 42.1 Charging - A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who skates or jumps into, or charges an opponent in any manner.
Why do refs let hockey players fight?
Those who defend fighting in hockey say that it helps deter other types of rough play, allows teams to protect their star players, and creates a sense of solidarity among teammates. The debate over allowing fighting in ice hockey games is ongoing.