Penalties
How players get in trouble with their sticks and bodies.
Penalties are given for body fouls such as hitting from behind, elbowing and fighting. Penalties are also given for stick fouls like slashing, spearing, hooking, holding, tripping, cross-checking and high-sticking. Penalties can also be given for other infractions such as delay of game, too many men on the ice, and unsportsmanlike conduct. If the offending player’s team is in possession of the puck, the referee will blow his whistle immediately to stop play and enforce the penalty. If the offending player’s team doesn’t possess the puck, the referee will raise his arm to show the delayed calling of a penalty.
Standard penalties are 2 minutes in length and players serve their penalties in the penalty box. While a penalty is being served, the opposing team receives a man advantage opportunity called a Power Play. A Power Play lasts for the duration of the penalty. In the case of minor penalties, the Power Play will end early if the team with the man advantage scores a goal.