The basic object of the game of hockey is to score more goals than your opponent by the end of the game. Within the game, teams use many strategies to keep the puck out of their own net and generate scoring chances in the offensive zone. Certain rules exist about how goals can be scored. Simply getting the puck into the other team’s net by any means isn’t allowed.
Typical Goal
A standard goal in a hockey game occurs when the puck is shot into the opposition’s net with the stick of one of the offensive players. The puck must cross the red goal line entirely, and the blade of the player’s stick that scored the goal must be lower than the crossbar of the net when he makes contact with the puck. The puck may be shot into the net using a slap shot, wrist shot, snap shot, backhand or deflection.
Scoring with the Skates
If the puck crosses the goal line after hitting one of the offensive player’s skates, it may or may not count, depending on the situation. If it is determined by the referee that the player made a distinct kicking motion at the puck, the goal is disallowed. If the puck was simply directed in by the skate, the goal stands.
Kicking the Puck
As long as the result isn’t a goal scored in the opposition’s net, kicking the puck is allowed in hockey. You can pass the puck to a teammate by kicking it, kick it away from your own net, kick it along the boards or kick it up to your own stick to take a shot.
Other Disallowed Goals
Aside from the kicking motion, a goal won’t count if the puck bounces in off the referee, is thrown into the net by an offensive player or is directed in by any part of the body other than the stick or skate. It won’t count if a delayed penalty has been called on the offensive team, it is knocked in by a high stick or the play into the zone is called offside by a linesman.
Defending Team
The only time kicking at the puck results in a legal goal is if a defending player kicks the puck into the net. In fact, the defensive team can put the puck into its own net by any means and have the goal count. This includes shooting the puck, kicking it or batting it with the stick or hand. When a defensive player scores on his own net, the last offensive player to touch the puck is credited with the goal.
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