IHM Knowledge Center
What Is a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?
Why do some penalties in hockey last five minutes and continue even after a goal is scored?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: April 19, 2026
Short Answer
A major penalty is a five-minute penalty for serious infractions. The penalized team plays shorthanded for the full five minutes, even if the opposing team scores.
Full Explanation
A major penalty is one of the most impactful penalties in hockey. Unlike minor penalties, which end when a goal is scored, a major penalty must be fully served.
When a player receives a major penalty, they go to the penalty box for five minutes, and their team plays shorthanded for the entire duration.
During this time, the opposing team has a power play and can score multiple goals without ending the penalty.
Major penalties are usually called for dangerous or severe infractions, such as fighting, boarding, charging, or hits that result in injury risk.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
In the NHL, major penalties are strictly five minutes and often include an automatic game misconduct depending on the severity of the incident.
In IIHF competitions, the same five-minute structure applies, but additional discipline or suspensions may be more strictly enforced afterward.
Both leagues treat major penalties as serious infractions requiring strong punishment.
When Is a Major Penalty Usually Called?
Major penalties are called when an infraction goes beyond normal gameplay and creates significant danger.
This includes actions like boarding into the boards, charging from distance, or illegal hits that target vulnerable players.
Referees consider not only the action but also the result, such as injury risk or loss of control.
Why These Decisions Are Controversial
Major penalties are controversial because they can drastically change the outcome of a game.
Fans often debate whether a hit was severe enough to deserve a major penalty or should have been a minor.
Controversy usually arises from:
- Severity of contact
- Injury outcome
- Player intent vs result
- Consistency of enforcement
Replay reviews are often used to confirm or upgrade penalties to majors.
Edge Case: Major Penalty After Video Review
A key edge case occurs when referees review a play and upgrade a minor penalty to a major.
If video shows a higher level of danger or impact, the penalty may be increased to a major.
This allows officials to correct initial calls and ensure serious infractions are properly punished.
These decisions can significantly affect momentum and game flow.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To determine whether a major penalty will be called, focus on these signals:
- Impact signal: Was the contact forceful and dangerous?
- Vulnerability signal: Was the opposing player in a vulnerable position?
- Result signal: Did the play create injury risk?
Trigger-level rule:
If a play involves dangerous contact with high injury risk, a major penalty is almost always considered.
If the contact is controlled and within normal play, a minor penalty is more likely.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
This rule is misunderstood because fans often judge based on intent, while referees judge based on danger and outcome.
A player may not intend harm, but the result of the action can still justify a major penalty.
Two similar hits can result in different penalties depending on timing, angle, and impact.
Understanding risk vs intent is key.
Mini Q&A
How long is a major penalty?
Five minutes.
Does it end if a goal is scored?
No, it continues for the full time.
What types of penalties are majors?
Serious infractions like boarding, charging, or fighting.
Can a major be reviewed?
Yes, officials can confirm or upgrade penalties.
Is a game misconduct always included?
Often, but not always.
Why This Rule Exists
Major penalties exist to punish dangerous actions and protect player safety at the highest level.
They also create significant consequences for serious rule violations.
Key Takeaways
- Major penalties last five minutes
- They do not end after a goal
- They are used for dangerous infractions
- They can include additional discipline
- They have a major impact on game outcome