Awarded goals: obstacles left by a pulled goalkeeper, nets moved on a breakaway
Rule numbers: NCAA 28.6 NCAA 67.5 ACHA Additions 'Rule 55' and 67.5
If a goalkeeper heading to the bench for an extra attacker intentionally leaves a stick or other equipment, piles snow or leaves other obstacles at or near the net that would tend to keep the puck out, a goal is awarded. The award requires that the goalkeeper was actually replaced for an extra attacker; otherwise it is a minor. The ACHA additions list this as 'Rule 55 Goalkeeper Leaving Stick'; in the NCAA book it is 28.6. Separately, on a breakaway, deliberately knocking the net off its moorings, or deliberately taking off a helmet or face mask, costs an awarded goal (67.5). Outside the breakaway case, NCAA 67.3 makes deliberately moving the net to prevent a goal a penalty shot or optional minor, with a goal awarded if it stopped an obvious, imminent goal.
the goalkeeper must have been replaced for an extra attacker, otherwise a minor penalty shall be assessed.
- Scoresheet
- Record the goal as awarded.
Example
The goalkeeper heads to the bench for an extra attacker and deliberately leaves his stick lying in the crease. The extra attacker comes on, and a shot hits the stick. The referee awards a goal.
Common mistake: Calling a minor even though the goalkeeper had been replaced by an extra attacker.
Sources
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 28.6, p. 46 (PDF p. 49)
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 67.5, p. 76 (PDF p. 79)
- ACHA: 2026 NCAA Major Ice Hockey Rule Changes and ACHA Additions (updated 8/27/2026), Rule 55 Goalkeeper Leaving Stick; Rule 67.5, p. 3
Verified