Goalkeeper interference, and the new challenge of a no-goal call
Rule numbers: NCAA 73.1 NCAA 73.2 NCAA 73.3 NCAA 93.4(b)5
An attacker's position in or out of the crease does not by itself decide a goal. Goals are disallowed only if an attacker, by position or contact, keeps the goalkeeper from moving freely in the crease or from defending the goal, or initiates intentional or deliberate contact with the goalkeeper. Incidental contact begun outside the crease is allowed if the attacker tried to avoid it, and contact caused by a defender pushing the attacker is not the attacker's. After a goal is disallowed for contact with the goalkeeper, the face-off is at the nearest neutral-zone spot outside the offending team's attacking zone. Rule 93.4(b)5 now also lets the attacking team challenge a no-goal call for interference, claiming no contact, a push by a defender, or positioning that had no effect.
the standard of evidence required to disallow a goal is significant.
- On the ice
- Goal disallowed for interference: face-off at the nearest neutral-zone spot outside the offending team's attacking zone.
Example
A19 is shoved by B3 into Team B's goalkeeper as the puck goes in, and the referee waves it off. Team A's coach challenges under 93.4(b)5, claiming the defender's push caused the contact.
Common mistake: Disallowing a goal just because a skate was in the crease, or blaming the attacker for contact a defender caused.
Sources
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 73.1-73.3, pp. 80-82 (PDF pp. 83-85)
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 73.5, p. 83 (PDF p. 86)
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 93.4(b)5, p. 114 (PDF p. 117)
Verified