Coincidental minors: no 4-on-4
Rule numbers: USAH 402(f)
Matching minors do not create four-on-four hockey in USA Hockey. When an equal number of minors is assessed to players of both teams at the same stoppage, the penalized players go to the box and both teams substitute immediately, so play continues at full strength. The penalized players stay in the box until the first stoppage after their penalties expire; they cannot jump back on during play. Coincidental minors are also ignored when deciding whether a delayed penalty is needed under Rule 408. Any extra minors at the same stoppage that do not match are served the normal way and change the strength.
The penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their penalties.
- On the ice
- Both teams substitute; strength is unchanged.
- Clock
- Do not post coincidental minors on the penalty clock (507(b) Note 2); the penalty timekeeper tracks the time and releases the players at the first stoppage after it expires.
- Scoresheet
- Both minors recorded.
Example
Team A's #8 and Team B's #22 each get a roughing minor after a shoving match. Both teams replace them on the ice and play resumes five-on-five. Both players wait in the box for the first whistle after their two minutes are up.
Common mistake: Playing four-on-four, or letting the players back on during play when their time expires.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 402(f), p. 85 (PDF p. 119)
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