Kneeing now carries a minor plus a misconduct
Rule numbers: USAH 628(a) USAH 404(a)
There is no longer a plain two-minute kneeing call. Under 2025-29 Rule 628(a), kneeing an opponent is a minor plus a misconduct. The rule defines kneeing as leading with or extending the knee outward to make contact with an opponent, or trying to. Kneeing that recklessly endangers an opponent is a major plus a game misconduct, and a match penalty is also available. Because a minor and a misconduct come together, Rule 404(a) applies: unless coincidental minors allow immediate substitution, the team must put an extra non-penalized player in the box to serve the minor, and that player may not be changed. A second misconduct to the same player in the same game becomes a game misconduct.
A minor plus misconduct penalty shall be assessed for kneeing an opponent.
- On the ice
- The offending team plays shorthanded for the minor; a teammate serves it.
- Clock
- Post the minor for the extra player. The misconduct is not posted on the penalty clock (507(b) Note 2); the penalty timekeeper tracks it and releases the kneeing player at the first stoppage after it expires.
- Scoresheet
- Two entries for the kneeing player: the minor and the misconduct.
Example
A Team A skater sticks out a knee as a Team B puck carrier cuts past along the boards. Contact is made, with no reckless endangerment. The call is a minor plus misconduct, and Team A sends a second player to the box to serve the two minutes.
Common mistake: Calling a two-minute kneeing minor alone, or forgetting the extra player in the box that 404(a) requires.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 628(a), p. 200 (PDF p. 234)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 404(a), p. 86 (PDF p. 120)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Rule Change Summary, Rule 628(a)
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