Tag: major penalty

What Is a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?

What is a major penalty, how long does it last, and how is it different from a minor penalty?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: February 27, 2026

Short Answer

A major penalty is a five-minute penalty assessed for serious infractions, and it is not canceled if the opposing team scores.

Full Explanation

A major penalty is called for severe violations such as fighting or dangerous contact that could cause injury. It results in the offending team playing shorthanded for five full minutes.

Unlike a minor penalty, which ends if the opposing team scores, a major penalty continues for the entire five-minute duration regardless of how many goals are scored during that time.

Major penalties are often accompanied by additional discipline such as a game misconduct depending on the severity of the incident.

Officials may review certain plays to determine whether the infraction warrants a minor or major penalty.

Why Major Penalties Exist

The rule ensures that serious or dangerous actions carry stronger consequences and protect player safety.

Key Takeaways

  • A major penalty lasts five minutes.
  • The team plays shorthanded for the full duration.
  • Goals do not cancel a major penalty.
  • Often called for fighting or dangerous contact.

What Is a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?

What is a major penalty, how long does it last, and how does it differ from a minor penalty?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: February 11, 2026

Short Answer

A major penalty lasts five minutes and does not end if the opposing team scores, unlike a minor penalty.

Full Explanation

Major penalties are assessed for serious infractions such as fighting, boarding, or dangerous hits that cause injury.

The penalized team must play shorthanded for the full five minutes, regardless of how many goals are scored by the opposing team.

This differs from a minor penalty, which typically lasts two minutes and ends early if a power play goal is scored.

Major penalties can significantly shift momentum due to the extended power play opportunity.

Why Major Penalties Matter

Because they do not expire after a goal, major penalties create sustained pressure and often determine the outcome of games.

Key Takeaways

  • Major penalty lasts five minutes.
  • Does not expire after a goal.
  • Usually assessed for serious infractions.
  • Creates extended power play pressure.

What Is the Difference Between a Minor and a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is the Difference Between a Minor and a Major Penalty in Ice Hockey?

What is the difference between a minor and a major penalty in ice hockey, and how do these penalties affect power plays and game momentum?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 12, 2025

Short Answer

A minor penalty lasts two minutes, while a major penalty lasts five minutes and is typically assessed for more dangerous or severe infractions.

Full Explanation

Minor penalties are the most common type of penalty in ice hockey. They are usually called for infractions such as hooking, tripping, holding or interference. When a minor penalty is assessed, the penalized team plays shorthanded for two minutes or until a goal is scored by the opposing team.

Major penalties are reserved for more serious actions, often involving violent contact or actions that endanger player safety. Examples include fighting, boarding, charging or checking from behind. Major penalties always last the full five minutes, regardless of whether the opposing team scores.

Because of their duration, major penalties can dramatically shift momentum and often lead to multiple scoring opportunities during a single power play.

Officials may also combine major penalties with misconducts if an infraction is deemed especially severe.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the difference between minor and major penalties helps explain power-play duration, scoring sequences and why certain penalties have a greater impact on the final result of a game.

Key Takeaways

  • Minor penalties last two minutes and can end early if a goal is scored.
  • Major penalties last five minutes regardless of goals.
  • Major penalties are assessed for more dangerous infractions.
  • Penalty severity strongly influences game momentum.