Goalkeeper penalties: who sits for what
Rule numbers: NFHS 4-8-1 NFHS 4-8-2 NFHS 4-3-2 NFHS 4-4-3
Who sits for a goalkeeper depends on the penalty. For a minor, the goalkeeper stays in net and the captain picks a teammate who was on the ice at the moment of the foul to serve it. For a major or a misconduct, NFHS sends the goalkeeper to the box personally and a backup goes in. With a major, the team also sends a second player to the box alongside the goalkeeper; that player is the one who steps back on when the five minutes run out. The penalized goalkeeper must wait until the backup has come off before returning to the ice. NCAA 28.2 now works the other way, with a skater serving a goalkeeper's major or misconduct.
- On the ice
- Minor: a skater sits and the goalkeeper stays in net. Major or misconduct: the goalkeeper sits and a substitute goalkeeper plays.
- Clock
- Goalkeeper major: 5:00, with an extra skater in the box to return when it expires.
- Scoresheet
- The penalty is charged to the goalkeeper in every case.
Example
An NFHS goalkeeper is assessed a major. He heads to the box with one teammate, the backup goalkeeper takes the net, and the teammate rejoins play once the five minutes are up.
Common mistake: Bringing the newer NCAA procedure into a high-school game and having a skater serve the goalkeeper's major or misconduct.
Sources
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-3-2, 4-4-3, p. 23
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-8-1, 4-8-2, p. 26
Verified