IHM Knowledge Center
What Happens If the Puck Hits the Netting in Ice Hockey?
What happens when the puck hits the protective netting above the glass, and why does play usually stop immediately?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: May 21, 2026
Short Answer
If the puck directly hits the protective netting above the glass, play is usually stopped immediately because the puck is considered out of play.
Full Explanation
Protective netting is installed above the glass behind the goals and in certain arena sections to protect fans from high-speed pucks.
When the puck touches this netting during play, referees normally stop the game immediately.
The puck is considered out of play because the netting is treated as a non-playable area.
A faceoff is then held based on the location and circumstances of the stoppage.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
Both NHL and IIHF stop play when the puck hits protective netting.
The overall principle is nearly identical internationally.
Officials immediately whistle the play dead once the puck touches out-of-play structures.
Arena-specific netting configurations may vary slightly.
Why Play Stops Immediately
Play stops because:
- The puck has left the legal playing surface
- Player visibility may be affected
- The puck path becomes unpredictable
- Safety standards require stoppage
Officials prioritize clear and controlled gameplay conditions.
How Faceoff Location Is Determined
After the whistle, referees determine the proper faceoff spot based on:
- Which team last touched the puck
- Where the puck was played from
- Whether the action was intentional
Defensive-zone faceoffs are common after careless clear attempts.
Why These Situations Are Controversial
Netting stoppages are controversial because puck trajectories can be difficult to see clearly in real time.
Debates usually involve:
- Whether the puck actually touched the netting
- Glass vs netting contact confusion
- Delayed whistles
- Continuation of scoring chances
Fast puck movement often creates uncertainty.
Edge Case: Puck Grazes the Netting Slightly
A major edge case occurs when the puck barely touches the protective netting before returning to play.
Even slight contact with the netting usually requires an immediate whistle.
Officials sometimes rely on arena cameras or replay support to confirm contact.
Tiny deflections can completely change the ruling.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To evaluate puck-netting situations, focus on these signals:
- Trajectory signal: Did the puck rise unusually high?
- Deflection signal: Did the puck change direction unnaturally?
- Whistle signal: Did officials immediately stop play?
Trigger-level rule:
The moment the puck contacts out-of-play netting, referees are expected to stop play immediately regardless of possession.
Safety and play control override offensive continuation.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
Many fans think only pucks leaving the rink entirely should stop play.
In reality, protective netting itself is considered outside the playable surface.
Even brief contact usually makes the puck dead immediately.
Understanding playable vs non-playable surfaces is key.
Mini Q&A
What happens if the puck hits the netting?
Play stops immediately.
Why is the puck considered dead?
Because the netting is out of play.
Do referees always stop play?
Normally, yes.
Can slight netting contact still stop play?
Yes.
Why is this rule important?
To maintain safety and fair gameplay conditions.
Why This Rule Exists
This rule exists to maintain safe, controlled and fair playing conditions whenever the puck leaves the legal playing area.
Player safety and game consistency are the primary goals.
Key Takeaways
- Pucks hitting netting are out of play
- Play usually stops immediately
- Faceoff location depends on the sequence
- Slight netting contact still matters
- Safety standards drive enforcement