Over the years, it has become apparent to me that the majority of casual hockey fans do not understand some of the basic nuances of the game. So, in an attempt to shed some light on the greyer areas of the sport, Hockey Helpful Hints has begun.

We’ll start with a very basic and important aspect of the game: the goal crease.

Though many people know what the goal crease is -blue painted area extending six feet in front of each end’s goal outlined by a 2” red line- not many really know the rules regarding it.

The crease is designed as a form of protection for a team’s goalie. Seeing as a goalie can be virtually defenseless to attacking players, the crease is a spot on the ice that, according to NCAA rules, no other players except for the goalie are allowed to occupy.

If a player establishes what is called significant position within the crease, meaning a player is in the crease for an extended period of time, the whistle can be blown at a referee’s discretion. If a goal is scored while a player has significant position within the crease, the goal can be disallowed by the referee.

Also, by rule, players are not allowed to touch the goalie while the goalie is within the crease. If a goal is scored while a player may be interfering with the goalie while in the crease, the goal will be disallowed. Players can receive interference penalties for contact with a goalie while in the crease, as well.

Although the main purpose of the crease is to protect the goalie, there are rule infractions that involve the crease that many fans don’t know.

While the puck is within the crease, it is against the rules for any defending player other than the goalie to freeze the puck with their hand (freezing the puck refers to holding the puck out of sight of the referee in order to force a stoppage of play). If a player does this, the attacking team is awarded a penalty shot.

If you want your hockey rules questions answered in this space, send an e-mail to

bevans5@du.edu