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One of the most important aspects of the game of hockey is a penalty. A penalty is basically like a grown-up version of a timeout, but instead of sitting in the corner, the offending player goes in the penalty box.
Before I explain the different types of penalties, I should explain who is able to enforce those penalties. As each period begins, the University of Maine pep band plays the “Smilin’ Bob” song. The referees then skate onto the rink. Two of the refs have an orange stripe on their arms, and two of them do not. The two refs that do not have the stripes are allowed to make any calls that are not penalty calls. The refs that have the stripes can send players into the penalty box.
Most penalties are minor. This means that the player spends less than five minutes in the box. Most standard minor penalties are two minutes. Cross-checking is when a player uses his stick in both hands – perpendicular to his body – to press the other player into the wall. High sticking happens when a player has his stick too high before or after he swings it. Golf swings don’t work in hockey. Hitting after the whistle, well, you get the idea. Holding is when the player literally holds his opponent and keeps him from moving. Holding the stick is exactly what it sounds like. Hooking is when a player snags his opponent with his stick. Interference is a bit broad. For example, one could say that a player committed a hooking penalty, but also that that same player interfered with somebody. Interference leads to a lot of penalties, but the key indicator for interference is that the player who was blocked did not have the puck. Interference is the call used when a player is blocked from getting to the bench. Roughing is one step away from full-blown fighting; players push and shove each other but stop short of punching so hard that blood is drawn. Slashing is when a player uses a stick like a sword and swings it at his opponent. The player can’t get away with saying “’tis a flesh wound,” though. Delay of game is another penalty that is pretty much self-explanatory. It usually involves the puck being deliberately shot out-of-bounds or someone purposely trapping the puck in the corner for a really long time. Tripping is yet again self-explanatory, tripping a player is easiest to do with a stick. With all of these penalties, the offending player is allowed out of the box when the opposing team scores a goal.
Other penalties are a bit more serious. These are called major penalties. I will explain these offenses after break.
Next issue: Penalties (cont.)
