Pulled goalkeeper leaves the stick behind: awarded goal
Rule numbers: NCAA 28.6 NCAA 26.1
Under the 2026-28 book, a goalkeeper who is heading to the bench for an extra attacker and intentionally leaves a stick or other equipment, piles snow, or leaves other obstacles at or near the net that, in the referee's opinion, would tend to keep the puck out, gives up an awarded goal. The award requires that the goalkeeper was actually replaced by an extra attacker; otherwise the penalty is a minor. A related rule already existed in 26.1: when a stick a goalkeeper left behind stops what would have been an obvious, imminent goal, the referee awards the goal. These come up in the last minute of close games, so cover them in the pregame.
the goalkeeper must have been replaced for an extra attacker, otherwise a minor penalty shall be assessed.
- Scoresheet
- Awarded goal; if the goalkeeper was not replaced, a minor instead.
Example
Down one with 50 seconds left, Team B's goalkeeper drops his stick across the crease as he skates to the bench, and the extra skater comes on. Team A's shot is stopped by the stick. The referee awards Team A a goal.
Common mistake: Calling a minor when the goalkeeper had been replaced by an extra attacker.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 26.1, p. 43 (PDF p. 46)
Verified