Home>Sports>Ice Hockey>Ice Hockey Penalties
Last updated: Sep 19, 2023
PreviousNext
Hooking is a penalty in hockey that is committed when a player uses the blade of their stick to pull on an opponent’s body, restraining them or negatively affecting movement. Hooking is a restraining penalty, similar to holding and interference. A hooking penalty is typically punished by a minor penalty.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- Result
- Referee Signal
- Examples
- Helpful Links
- Similar Penalties to Hooking
- FAQ
Definition
Hooking is a penalty that occurs in hockey when a player attempts to restrain or restrict the movement of an opponent by using the blade of their stick in a pulling or tugging motion against any part of that opponent’s body.Hockey players are only allowed to use their sticks to play the puck or defend against an opponent’s stick, and they must keep the blades of their sticks below their waists. The only time a player may touch the blade of their stick to an opponent’s body is when making contact that is incidental to playing the puck.
Hooking may take several forms, such as tugging on the body or limbs of an opponent with a stick to draw them closer or holding a stick horizontally in front of an opponent to slow them down or throw them off balance. Using a stick to hold an opponent’s arm down, preventing them from using their stick or playing the puck, is also hooking. However, using a stick to check an opponent’s stick without contacting their body is permitted and will not result in a penalty.
Hooking is a restraining penalty. It is very similar to holding; the major difference is that holding hands and other body parts are used to restrain an opponent, while the stick is used when hooking.
Result
The result of a hooking penalty being called is a minor penalty assessed against the offender, who is then forced to serve two minutes in the penalty box.Also, if the hooking is done in an especially flagrant or aggressive fashion, a major penalty and match misconduct penalty may be called.
This result is the same in both amateur and professional leagues. USA Hockey and the NHL both punish violent hooking with a major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty.USA Hockey uniquely gives referees the option of assessing a match penalty for hooking committed with reckless endangerment.
Referee Signal
A referee will immediately whistle to stop play unless the penalty was committed by the defensive team, in which case they will wait until the next change of possession or stoppage. To signal that a hooking penalty has occurred, a referee will extend their arms to one side at the same height as their stomach, forming their hands into fists. Then they will move their hands inward toward their stomach, making a tugging motion as if pulling a hockey stick toward their body.
Examples
Example 1: A player is skating quickly toward the puck. In an attempt to delay them, an opponent skating behind reaches forward with their stick and uses the blade to pull backward on the player’s chest.
Example 2: Away from the puck, a skater holds their stick horizontally in front of an opponent in motion, throwing them off balance.
Example 3: A skater is attempting to make a play on a loose puck. An opponent holds the blade of their stick down on that skater’s arm, preventing them from freely moving or using their stick.
Helpful Links
Similar Penalties to Hooking
- Holding
- Tripping
- Interference
- Slashing
- Spearing
FAQ
What is a hooking penalty in hockey?
A hooking penalty in hockey is a minor penalty that is assessed when a player uses the blade of their stick to restrain or affect the movement of an opponent by making a pulling or tugging motion.Hooking may be called on any player, even goalkeepers, regardless of possession or location of the puck. Hooking is typically a minor penalty, but may result in more severe penalties if it is committed with excessive force or results in injury.
What is the punishment for hooking in hockey?
The punishment for hooking in hockey is typically a two-minute penalty, served by the offender in the penalty box.During this time, the offender’s team will be shorthanded on the ice, and the opposing team will have a power-play advantage. The punishment for hooking an opponent with excessive force is a five-minute penalty; a referee may also choose ejection. Injuring an opponent while hooking is punished by an automatic ejection.
Is hooking a minor penalty in hockey?
In hockey, hooking is a minor penalty in most cases.However, contributing circ*mstances may occur during the foul, which could lead to a more severe penalty. For example, if the action of the penalty injures or recklessly endangers the opponent against whom it was committed, hooking is a major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty. A match penalty may also be assessed in the case of reckless endangerment if the referee determines it is appropriate.
What is the difference between hooking and tripping in hockey?
The main difference between hooking and tripping in hockey is that tripping involves using your stick or body to trip an opponent, while hooking involves using your stick to impede an opponent’s movement. They are similar penalties, and both very common at all levels of hockey.
PreviousNext
Pages Related to Hockey Hooking Penalty
- Hockey Holding The Facemask Penalty
- Hockey Illegal Equipment Penalty
- Hockey Leaving The Crease Penalty
- Hockey Head Butting
- Hockey Kicking Penalty
- Hockey Holding Penalty
PreviousNext
As an ice hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the game, I can confidently provide insights into the nuances of hockey penalties, specifically focusing on hooking. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have a practical understanding of the game and its rules. Let's delve into the key concepts related to hooking as outlined in the provided article.
Definition of Hooking: Hooking is a penalty in hockey that occurs when a player uses the blade of their stick to restrain or restrict the movement of an opponent by pulling or tugging on any part of their body. Hockey players are only allowed to use their sticks for playing the puck or defending against an opponent's stick, with the restriction that the blade should be kept below their waists. Hooking can take various forms, including tugging on an opponent's body or limbs to draw them closer, holding a stick horizontally to slow them down, or preventing them from using their stick by holding it down.
Result of Hooking: The consequence of a hooking penalty is a minor penalty assessed against the offending player, who is then required to serve two minutes in the penalty box. If the hooking is particularly aggressive or flagrant, a major penalty and match misconduct penalty may be called. This outcome remains consistent in both amateur and professional leagues, such as USA Hockey and the NHL.
Referee Signal for Hooking: When a hooking penalty occurs, a referee will immediately whistle to stop play. To signal a hooking infraction, the referee will extend their arms to one side at the height of their stomach, forming their hands into fists. They will then move their hands inward toward their stomach, mimicking a tugging motion as if pulling a hockey stick toward their body.
Examples of Hooking: The article provides three examples to illustrate hooking scenarios. These include using the blade to pull backward on an opponent's chest, holding a stick horizontally to throw an opponent off balance, and holding an opponent's stick to prevent them from freely moving or using it.
Helpful Links and Similar Penalties: The article includes references to the USA Hockey Rulebook and NHL Rulebook, providing readers with additional resources for understanding hooking. It also mentions similar penalties to hooking, such as holding, tripping, interference, slashing, and spearing.
FAQs about Hooking: The frequently asked questions section clarifies what a hooking penalty is, outlines the punishment for hooking, discusses whether hooking is a minor penalty, and highlights the differences between hooking and tripping.
In conclusion, hooking is a penalty that involves using the stick in a way that restrains or hinders an opponent's movement. The consequences, referee signals, and examples outlined in the article contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this infraction in ice hockey.
