Tag: hockey scoring rules

Can a Goal Count if the Puck Is Deflected in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

Can a Goal Count if the Puck Is Deflected in Ice Hockey?

When a puck is deflected by a player, under what conditions does the goal count?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: March 13, 2026

Short Answer

Yes, a goal can count if the puck is deflected legally by a player, as long as no illegal actions such as a kicking motion or high stick occur.

Full Explanation

Deflected goals occur when a player redirects a shot toward the net using their stick, body, or skate. This is a common way to score in hockey.

The goal will count if the deflection happens with a legal stick position and without a distinct kicking motion of the skate.

If the puck is contacted with a stick above crossbar height before entering the net, the goal will be disallowed.

Officials may review the play to determine whether the deflection followed the rules.

Why Deflection Goals Are Allowed

Deflections are a natural part of hockey scoring and reward offensive positioning near the net.

Key Takeaways

  • Deflected goals are legal when done with the stick or body.
  • Skate deflections may count if there is no kicking motion.
  • High stick contact before the goal disallows the goal.
  • Video review may confirm the ruling.

What Is a Kicking Motion Goal in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is a Kicking Motion Goal in Ice Hockey?

What is considered a kicking motion in hockey, and when is a goal disallowed because of it?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: March 4, 2026

Short Answer

A goal is disallowed if a player deliberately kicks the puck into the net using a distinct kicking motion.

Full Explanation

Players are allowed to redirect the puck with their skate as long as the skate does not make a clear kicking motion. If the puck deflects off the skate naturally or through positioning, the goal may count.

However, if the player intentionally swings or pushes their skate to propel the puck into the net, officials will rule the play as a kicking motion and disallow the goal.

Video review is often used to determine whether the motion of the skate was a redirection or an intentional kick.

Officials focus on whether the skate blade changed direction in a way that actively propelled the puck toward the net.

Why the Kicking Motion Rule Exists

The rule prevents dangerous kicking actions near the crease and keeps scoring primarily stick-based rather than foot-driven.

Key Takeaways

  • Goals cannot be scored with a distinct kicking motion.
  • Deflections off the skate may still count.
  • Officials review whether the skate actively propelled the puck.
  • Video review is often used to confirm the ruling.

What Is the Goal Line in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is the Goal Line in Ice Hockey?

What is the goal line, where is it located, and how does it determine whether a goal counts?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: February 24, 2026

Short Answer

The goal line is the red line that runs across the rink behind the net. A puck must completely cross this line between the goal posts to count as a goal.

Full Explanation

Each end of the rink has a red goal line that runs parallel to the blue lines. It extends across the width of the ice and passes directly underneath the goal frame.

For a goal to be awarded, the entire puck must completely cross the goal line between the posts and below the crossbar. If any part of the puck remains on the line, it is not considered a goal.

Modern hockey uses video review to determine whether the puck has fully crossed the goal line. High-speed cameras and overhead angles are used to make precise decisions in close situations.

The goal line also plays a role in icing calls, as icing is judged based on whether the puck crosses the goal line untouched after being shot from behind the center red line.

Why the Goal Line Matters

Scoring in hockey often involves fast deflections, rebounds, and chaotic net-front scrambles. The goal line provides a clear, objective boundary for determining whether a goal is valid.

Key Takeaways

  • The goal line is the red line beneath the net.
  • The puck must completely cross the line to count.
  • Video review is used in close scoring plays.
  • The goal line is also important for icing decisions.