What is the Hand Pass Rule In Hockey Game? 

Normally, the hockey game is played with a skate and stick on the ice. So players do not have to use their hands to play with the puck. However, it might be legal to use the hand when both players are in the defensive zone. We will talk about what the hand pass rule in hockey game is — This article will also discuss when you can use your hand when playing hockey. 

There are a few rules about handling the puck and making a hand pass in hockey. While watching a hockey game, you might have noticed some players making the hand pass. I will explain how this works. 

What Is a Hand Pass In Hockey?

A hand pass in hockey is when a player uses their hand to stop or catch the puck during the game. It could also refer to moments where a player passes to a teammate with their hands instead of using the stick. 

In a hockey game, a player can do the hand pass without attracting any infractions in some instances. But there are other instances where handling or catching the puck would result in a penalty. 

When Can A Player Make A Hand Pass In Hockey?

The handpass rule ensures that the pass can happen in the defensive zone to avoid infractions. That means players can make a hand pass in their defensive zone, and the goalie can also do the same. So, here is a breakdown of what validates a hand pass in a hockey game. 

The Goalie Can Make A Hand Pass

The goaltender can make a hand pass to a teammate as long as the person is in the defensive zone. They are also the only players that can hold the puck for a more extended period. While other players can not hold on to the puck, the goalie has three seconds, after which they could face a penalty if they are still holding on to the puck. 

A Player Can Give A Hand Pass In The Defensive Zone

This case is a rare situation where a skater can handle the ball – in the defensive area. A player can only make a hand pass to a teammate in the defensive zone. However, the player cannot make a hand pass to a teammate in the offensive zone. 

If a player completes a hand pass to another teammate in the offensive area, the referee calls for an infraction. 

Can A Hockey Player Catch The Puck In A Game?

A player can catch the puck with their hands. But they have to drop it immediately so as not to seem like they are trying to gain territorial advantage. Failure to drop the ball will lead to a minor penalty. 

Can A Player Hold Unto The Puck In Hockey?

The skaters can not hold the puck for any reason after catching it. They cannot make a hand pass to a neutral or offensive zone. The goaltender is the only player that can hold onto the puck for a longer period. A goalie can hold on to the ball for three seconds. 

So, these rules guide a hockey player when handling the puck or completing a hand pass. 

Can A Hockey Player Score With A Hand Pass?

A hockey player cannot score with a hand pass or bat the puck into the net from any area on the ice. Even if the puck bounces off another player, official, or the opponent’s goalie, the goal will not be allowed. That is because a hockey player can only use their stick to score a goal. 

However, it is also important to note that kicking the puck to the net will not count as a goal. 

What Happens If A Player Scores From A Hand Pass In Hockey?

The hand pass in hockey cannot lead to a goal. However, if this happens, the referee can call back the situation and cancel the goal. 

So, what happens if the referee does not see the incident? Will the goal be reviewed just like the offside rule? 

Before now, goals resulting from the hand pass in hockey were not subject to a video review from the officials. However, the controversial winner in an NFL playoff –A game between San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues– caused a review of this rule. 

The rule now allows for a review of a hand pass goal. But a goal that goes into the net due to a hand pass in the neutral zone is not reviewable. 

National Hockey League Hand Pass Rule

In view of the hand pass rule, the national hockey league regulates hand passes on these two grounds; 

• Hand Pass; A player can stop or bat the puck in the air with his hands open without attracting any infraction. However, if the referee judges the player to be directing the puck to a teammate, then he can call an offence. 
• Handling; The player can also bat the puck in the air without penalty unless they attempt a pass to their teammate in an offensive area. 

Other Types Of Pass In Hockey

A pass is one of the most fundamental skills in the hockey game. There are a few other types of passes allowed in ice hockey. Below is a list of some pass techniques in hockey; 

• Hand pass
• Backhand pass 
• Centering pass
• Clearing-out pass
• Drop pass
• Breakaway pass
• No-look pass
• Tic-tac toe
• Suicide pass
• Offside pass
• Slap pass and
• Saucer pass

Wrapping Up

Passing the puck is a significant skill in a hockey game. As mentioned, there are a lot of pass techniques you can complete. The hand pass is one unique technique in hockey as it comes with some rules and exceptions. And I believe this article has covered what a hand pass rule is in a hockey game. 

The most important part of this rule is where the hand pass applies and the situations that lead to an infraction. So, if you were wondering, what is the hand pass rule in a hockey game? I believe you now have your answer. 

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