IHM Knowledge Center
Can a Team Score on Their Own Empty Net in Ice Hockey?
What happens if a hockey team accidentally puts the puck into its own empty net during gameplay?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: May 21, 2026
Short Answer
Yes. A team can accidentally score on its own empty net, and the goal will count for the opposing team.
Full Explanation
Own goals are rare in hockey but fully possible under official scoring rules.
If a team accidentally sends the puck into its own net legally during active play, the goal counts against them.
This situation most commonly occurs during empty-net pressure, delayed penalties or failed defensive passes.
The opposing team is awarded the goal officially.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
Both NHL and IIHF count own goals under standard scoring rules.
The overall philosophy is nearly identical internationally.
The main difference usually involves official scoring attribution procedures.
The goal itself still counts normally.
How Own Empty-Net Goals Usually Happen
Own empty-net goals often occur during:
- Delayed penalty situations
- Goalie-pulled offensive pressure
- Bad cross-ice passes
- Defensive miscommunication
- Broken puck control near center ice
High-risk offensive strategies increase accidental-goal danger.
Who Receives Credit for the Goal?
Official scorers usually award the goal to the last opposing player who legally touched the puck before the own goal occurred.
Even if no attacker directly shoots into the empty net afterward, the goal still belongs to the opposing team statistically.
Scoring attribution follows standard possession logic.
Why These Situations Are Controversial
Own-goal situations are controversial because fans often expect a player to physically score the puck into the net directly.
Debates usually involve:
- Last puck possession
- Delayed penalty pressure
- Official scoring credit
- Accidental deflections
Chaotic puck movement can create confusion.
Edge Case: Delayed Penalty Own Goal
A major edge case occurs during delayed penalties when the attacking team pulls the goalie for an extra skater.
If the attacking team accidentally sends the puck all the way back into its own empty net without defensive pressure, the opposing team still receives the goal.
These situations create some of hockey’s strangest scoring moments.
Risk-reward strategy becomes extremely visible.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To evaluate own-goal situations, focus on these signals:
- Possession signal: Which team last controlled the puck legally?
- Pressure signal: Was the goalie pulled aggressively?
- Direction signal: Did the puck enter legally without a whistle?
Trigger-level rule:
If the puck legally crosses the defending team’s goal line during live play, the goal counts regardless of which team directed it there.
Hockey does not cancel accidental own goals.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
Many fans think goals only count when scored directly by attacking players.
In reality, hockey scoring rules focus on legal puck movement and last-touch attribution.
Accidental own goals remain valid scoring plays.
Understanding possession attribution is key.
Mini Q&A
Can teams accidentally score on their own net?
Yes.
Do own goals count in hockey?
Yes.
Who receives credit for the goal?
Usually the last opposing player to touch the puck.
Are empty-net own goals rare?
Yes.
Why is this rule important?
To preserve consistent scoring logic.
Why This Rule Exists
This rule exists to maintain consistent scoring outcomes whenever the puck legally crosses the goal line during live gameplay.
Fair statistical attribution and gameplay continuity are the primary goals.
Key Takeaways
- Own goals can legally happen in hockey
- Empty-net situations increase the risk
- Goals still count normally
- Opposing players receive official credit
- Delayed penalties create famous edge cases