What Is Roughing in Ice Hockey?

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IHM Knowledge Center

What Is Roughing in Ice Hockey?

What is roughing, how is it defined, and how does it differ from fighting?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: February 23, 2026

Short Answer

Roughing is a minor penalty assessed for unnecessary physical contact such as pushing, shoving or punching that does not escalate into a fight.

Full Explanation

Roughing typically occurs after the whistle or during scrums in front of the net.

It involves unnecessary physical aggression such as gloved punches, cross pushes or retaliatory contact.

Unlike fighting, roughing does not involve dropping gloves and engaging in a full altercation.

The standard penalty is a two minute minor, although coincidental roughing penalties are common.

Why Roughing Is Penalized

The rule prevents minor altercations from escalating into full fights and maintains game control.

Key Takeaways

  • Unnecessary physical aggression.
  • Usually post whistle contact.
  • Two minute minor penalty.
  • Often coincidental on both teams.