Power-play goals end one minor, and never on a penalty shot
Rule numbers: NFHS 4-2-2 NFHS 4-2-3 NFHS 4-2-4 NFHS 4-2-5
A power-play goal frees one player, and only when the team scored on was down in numbers because of minors. The one released is whoever has the least time showing on the penalty clock; any minors the referee had already signaled against that team still have to be served. If one skater picked up two minors together and the other side scores inside the first two minutes, the leftover time on the first minor disappears and the second one starts. Goals on a penalty shot, and awarded goals, never release anybody. When two minors for the same team run out together, the captain tells the referee who goes back on first.
- On the ice
- The released player may return immediately.
- Clock
- Remove the minor with the least time left; for a double minor, the second minor starts fresh.
- Scoresheet
- Penalties stay recorded at full length.
Example
Team B is a skater short because one player is serving a double minor, with 3:10 still on his time, when Team A scores. The remaining 1:10 of the first minor is erased and the second minor starts, so the box clock reads 2:00.
Common mistake: Opening the box after a penalty-shot goal or an awarded goal, or wiping off the minor with more time left when two are running.
Sources
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-2-2 to 4-2-5, p. 22
Verified