Penalty shot or minor: the fouled team chooses
Rule numbers: NFHS 4-7-2 NFHS 4-7-3 NFHS 4-7-8
When the foul behind a penalty shot is normally a minor, the fouled team can decide before the shot to take the minor instead. If they take the shot, the offender is still charged with a penalty on the scoresheet, but no time is served. If the foul is one that carries a major, misconduct or disqualification, that penalty is applied whether or not the shot goes in. The fouled player shoots; if nobody was fouled or the fouled player is hurt, the captain picks any teammate who was on the ice when the whistle went.
- On the ice
- Shot chosen: the offending team stays at full strength for a minor-type foul.
- Clock
- No time for a minor-type penalty shot; a major-type offense also puts 5:00 on the clock.
- Scoresheet
- The penalty is charged to the offender either way.
Example
A penalty shot is awarded for a hook. Team A takes it and misses. The hooker gets a penalty on the scoresheet, but nobody sits for two minutes.
Common mistake: Putting two minutes on the clock after the shot is taken, or leaving the penalty off the scoresheet.
Sources
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-7-2, 4-7-3, p. 24-25
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-7-8, p. 25
Verified