Tag: penalty shot difference

What Is an Awarded Goal in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is an Awarded Goal in Ice Hockey?

What is an awarded goal, when is it given, and how does it differ from a penalty shot?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: March 3, 2026

Short Answer

An awarded goal is given automatically when a clear scoring opportunity is illegally prevented and the net is empty.

Full Explanation

An awarded goal occurs when a player has a clear path to an empty net and is illegally prevented from scoring. Instead of awarding a penalty shot, the referee may award a goal immediately.

This typically happens when the defending team has pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker and a foul such as throwing a stick or tripping denies a clear empty-net scoring chance.

Because no goaltender is present, officials may determine that the puck would have entered the net and award the goal without requiring a shot attempt.

If the net is not empty, a penalty shot is usually awarded instead.

Why Awarded Goals Exist

The rule restores a guaranteed scoring opportunity that was unfairly taken away and prevents teams from benefiting from deliberate infractions in empty-net situations.

Key Takeaways

  • An awarded goal is automatic in certain empty-net situations.
  • It applies when a clear scoring chance is illegally denied.
  • No shot attempt is required if conditions are met.
  • If a goalie is present, a penalty shot is typically awarded instead.

What Is an Awarded Goal in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is an Awarded Goal in Ice Hockey?

What is an awarded goal, when is it given, and how does it differ from a penalty shot?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: March 2, 2026

Short Answer

An awarded goal is given automatically when a clear scoring opportunity is illegally prevented and the net is empty.

Full Explanation

An awarded goal occurs when a player has a clear path to an empty net and is illegally prevented from scoring. Instead of awarding a penalty shot, the referee may award a goal immediately.

This typically happens when the defending team has pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker and a foul such as throwing a stick or tripping denies a clear empty-net scoring chance.

Because no goaltender is present, officials may determine that the puck would have entered the net and award the goal without requiring a shot attempt.

If the net is not empty, a penalty shot is usually awarded instead.

Why Awarded Goals Exist

The rule restores a guaranteed scoring opportunity that was unfairly taken away and prevents teams from benefiting from deliberate infractions in empty-net situations.

Key Takeaways

  • An awarded goal is automatic in certain empty-net situations.
  • It applies when a clear scoring chance is illegally denied.
  • No shot attempt is required if conditions are met.
  • If a goalie is present, a penalty shot is typically awarded instead.