Kick shots: stop play immediately
Rule numbers: USAH 627(c)
Kicking the puck is allowed in USA Hockey, as long as an attacking player does not kick it into the goal, directly or off any player. What is not allowed is the so-called kick shot, where the leg and foot drive the shaft and blade of the stick to produce a very dangerous shot. The 2025-29 book now spells out the procedure: the referee blows the whistle immediately and the face-off is at the nearest face-off location. If it happens in the attacking zone, the face-off moves out to a neutral-zone spot nearest the attacking blue line, so the offending team gains nothing. The rule describes a stoppage, not a penalty. Kicking an opponent is a different offense: a match penalty under 627(b).
If the action occurs in the attacking zone, the face-off shall take place at one of the neutral zone face-off spots nearest the attacking blue line.
- On the ice
- Immediate whistle; attacking-zone kick shot moves the face-off to the neutral zone.
Example
A Team A forward in the high slot drives the stick blade through the puck with a skate. The referee stops play at once. Because it happened in Team A's attacking zone, the face-off is at the neutral-zone spot nearest Team A's attacking blue line.
Common mistake: Letting play continue, or assessing a penalty that the rule does not provide.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 627(c), p. 199 (PDF p. 233)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Rule Change Summary, Rule 627(c)
Verified