The Ice Judge
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theicejudge.bsky.social
The Ice Judge
@theicejudge.bsky.social
250 followers 1.3K following 150 posts
An account dedicated to understanding and interpreting the NHL rulebook.
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theicejudge.bsky.social
It’s the right call. It’s an imminent scoring opportunity in my eyes. Doesn’t matter if it’s one shot or two. Annunen can avoid this situation by making a save or simply not kicking the net off the moorings.
November 5, 2025 at 4:42 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Awarded goal for Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche. Good call by the refs. Clearly was an imminent scoring situation even though the net was off
Rule 25 - Awarded Goals 25.1 Awarded Goal - A goal will be awarded to the attacking team when the opposing team has taken their goalkeeper off the ice and an attacking player has possession and control of the puck (or would have gained possession and control) in the neutral or attacking zone, without a defending player between himself and the opposing goal, and he is prevented from scoring as a result of an infraction committed by the defending team (see 25.3 Infractions - When Goalkeeper is Off the Ice, below). 25.2 Infractions - When Goalkeeper is On the Ice - A goal will be awarded when an attacking player, with an imminent scoring opportunity, is prevented from scoring as a result of a defending player or goalkeeper displacing the goal post, either deliberately or accidentally.
November 1, 2025 at 10:24 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
A rare Premature Substitution in the Flyers Penguins game, as the Pens subbed a skater on for Silovs a bit early. No penalty is the correct call.
Rule 71 - Premature Substitution 71.1 Premature Substitution - When a goalkeeper leaves his goal area and proceeds to his players' bench for the purpose of substituting another player, the skater cannot enter the playing surface before the goalkeeper is within five feet (5') of the bench. If the substitution is made prematurely, the official shall stop play immediately unless the non-offending team has possession of the puck - in which event the stoppage will be delayed until the puck changes possession. There shall be no time penalty to the team making the premature substitution, but the resulting face-off will take place at the center ice face-off spot when play is stopped beyond the center red line. When play is stopped prior to the center red line, the resulting face-off shall be conducted at the nearest face-off spot in the zone where the play was stopped. In all other situations not covered in the above, a minor penalty may result for "too many men on the ice" (see Rule 74). 71.2 Announcement - The Referee shall request that the public address announcer make the following announcement: "Play has been stopped due to premature substitution for the goalkeeper."
October 29, 2025 at 12:44 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
After no explanation from the official, we get this PR statement…the NHL really thought there was enough video evidence that Nichushkin pushed that puck into the zone? I don’t see that at all on the replay. Not clear enough to be overturned. Avalanche got robbed on this one.
Explanation: Video review determined that the actions of Valeri Nichushkin caused the puck to enter the Utah zone while Nathan MacKinnon was in an off-side position. The decision was made in accordance with Rule 83.2, which states in part, "Any action by an attacking player that causes a deflection/rebound off a defending player in the neutral zone back into the defending zone (i.e. stick check, body check, physical contact), a delayed off-side shall be signaled by the Linesperson." The clock is reset to show 19:18 (0:42 elapsed time), when the off-side infraction occurred.
October 22, 2025 at 4:41 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Check out the sweater vest on the ref during the 1997 Heroes of Hockey Game during All Star week. We gotta bring this look back for a Winter Classic or something
September 24, 2025 at 6:05 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
In case anyone was curious about that Mikkola non-icing at the beginning of the Overtime period. Certainly looked like Mikkola COULD HAVE played it, but it likely would have been a swing and a miss
If, in the opinion of the Linesperson, any player (other than the goalkeeper) of the opposing team is able to play the puck before it passes his goal line, but has not done so, play shall continue and the icing violation shall not be called. This includes the situation whereby the opposing team, while in the process of making player substitutions during the play, are able to play the puck, but choose not to do so to avoid being called for too many men on the ice. Icing should not be called.
June 13, 2025 at 3:38 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
That can’t be right, I was told in December there was no race
June 10, 2025 at 4:58 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
The answer to Saturday's question!
ANSWER TO YESTERDAY'S QUESTION: RULE 9.6 (UNIFORMS - HELMETS) STATES THAT WHEN A GOALKEEPER HAS LOST HIS HELMET AND/OR FACE MASK AND HIS TEAM HAS CONTROL OF THE PUCK, PLAY SHALL BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY TO ALLOW THE GOALKEEPER THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGAIN HIS HELMET AND/OR FACE MASK. HOWEVER, WHEN THE OPPOSING TEAM HAS CONTROL OF THE PUCK, PLAY SHALL ONLY BE STOPPED IF THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE AND IMPENDING SCORING OPPORTUNITY. IN THIS CASE, YOU MUST DETERMINE IF THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE AND IMPENDING SCORING OPPORTUNITY. IF IT'S DETERMINED THE OPPOSITION HAD A SCORING CHANCE, THE GOAL SHALL BE AWARDED.
May 27, 2025 at 3:11 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
'There is an enormous amount of judgment involved in the application' of boarding. Ref determined Luostarinen caused a defenseless player to impact the boards violently enough to warrant a major, which is an automatic game. Can't disagree with the call, even though it didn't seem that purposeful?
SECTION 6 – PHYSICAL INFRACTIONS Rule 41 - Boarding 41.1 Boarding – A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to hit or impact the boards violently or dangerously. The severity of the penalty, based upon the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee. There is an enormous amount of judgment involved in the application of this rule by the Referees. The onus is on the player applying the check to ensure his opponent is not in a defenseless position and if so, he must avoid or minimize contact. However, in determining whether such contact could have been avoided, the circumstances of the check, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the check or whether the check was unavoidable can be considered. This balance must be considered by the Referees when applying this rule. 41.2 Minor Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a minor penalty, based on the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, to a player guilty of boarding an opponent. 41.3 Major Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a major penalty, based on the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, to a player guilty of boarding an opponent (see 41.5). 41.4 Match Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by boarding. 41.5 Game Misconduct Penalty - When a major penalty is imposed under this rule for an infraction resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.
May 25, 2025 at 1:20 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Happy Saturday! As we gear up for Panthers vs. Hurricanes, let's look at another trivia question. Reply below if you know the answer! (answer revealed tomorrow morning)
NHL rules: The Unicorns and the Mustangs are tied at zero in the second period. The Mustangs have a power play and are passing the puck around the perimeter of the Unicorn zone, trying to find an opening. The Unicorns are hemmed in tight, trying to cut off all passing lanes. After a cross-ice pass, a Unicorn defenseman accidentally knocks off his own goaltender’s mask as he’s trying to move across the top of the crease. Right then, a Mustang forward sends another quick cross-ice pass that finds a teammate, who one-times it past the maskless goalie. The Unicorns are heated: they believe the whistle should have been blown right when the goaltender lost his mask. The Mustangs celebrate the goal in the corner. What’s the call?
May 24, 2025 at 8:44 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
For anyone who didn’t see this, Dave Jackson posted this. Definitely a high stick
Evander Kane putting a stick to the face of Matt Duchene
May 22, 2025 at 4:55 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Rule 59 - Cross-checking. I agree with the major call here.
Rule 59 – Cross-checking 59.1 Cross-checking - The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent. 59.2 Minor Penalty - A minor penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent. 59.3 Major Penalty - A major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent (see 59.5). 59.4 Match Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by cross-checking. 59.5 Game Misconduct Penalty - When a major penalty is assessed for cross-checking, an automatic game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on the offending player.
May 9, 2025 at 5:04 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
The answer to yesterday's question...this one was a bit tricky!
Rule 25.2 (Awarded Goals - Infractions when Goaltender is on the Ice) states that a goal will be awarded when an attacking player, with an imminent scoring opportunity, is prevented from scoring as a result of a defending player or goalkeeper displacing the goal post, either deliberately or accidentally. It’s a goal, tie game!
April 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
I think that the high-sticking call on Mercer is the right one. I don’t think it was a “normal windup” or “follow through of a shooting motion.” He followed through and then lifted his stick back up. He has to be responsible for his stick there.
Dawson Mercer inadvertently high-sticks Jesperi Kotkaniemi, resulting in a 4 minute double minor
April 30, 2025 at 3:56 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Everyone ready for some Stanley Cup Playoff hockey tonight?

Here's this week's question, reply below if you know the answer!
NHL Rules: The Sentinels are down 3-2 to the Annihilators, but a Sentinel forward springs loose for a breakaway. As the Sentinel forward enters the attacking zone all by himself, the Annihilator goalie backs into his net, knocking the net off the moorings, swinging the goal cage 90 degrees sideways. Play is stopped. It looked accidental to you, but the Sentinels are livid. What's the call?
April 29, 2025 at 10:57 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
O’Connor, Kelly, Bichsel, Steel all #HitTheShowersEarly at the end of Stars-Avalanche. 66 minutes of penalties between the two teams tonight.

Game 6 on Thursday will be electric
April 29, 2025 at 5:10 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Just got home a little while ago, but that Ekblad hit should have been 5 and a game for an elbow as well. By every letter of the law. Resulting injury to the head = automatic misconduct. You could also probably call this roughing or any number of other things. Hit to the head.
April 29, 2025 at 1:25 AM
theicejudge.bsky.social
About that penalty on the major penalty for Interference called on Brandon Hagel last night...according to what I can see from rule 56.5, it should have been a game misconduct. He was only given a 5 minute major and came back in the game later.
NHL Rulebook under Interference: 56.5 Game Misconduct Penalty – When a major penalty is imposed under this rule for an infraction resulting in an injury of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.
April 25, 2025 at 8:28 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Alright we're back...Do you know what the correct call is? Reply below if you do! #StanleyCupPlayoffs #NHL
NHL Rules: The Fury are hosting the Outlaws and have a 1-0 lead in the first period. You see a Fury player trip an Outlaw player in his own end, so you raise your arm for a delayed penalty. The Fury quickly touch the puck (resulting in a whistle), and immediately Fury players moan about the call, claiming the Outlaw player went down on his own. The Fury captain, who was on the bench at the time of the penalty, immediately hops over the boards (right after the whistle was blown) to protest the call. He skates over and starts refuting the call, causing the Outlaw players to become upset. They claim a player can’t come off the bench to protest a call. The Fury captain responds by saying not only was the play over, but he’s the captain and he’s allowed to talk to the ref. What’s the call?
April 25, 2025 at 7:50 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
The answer to Tuesday's question...more questions coming next week!
Answer: Rule 13.3 (Illegal Puck) states that if at any time while play is in progress, a puck other than the one legally in play shall appear on the playing surface, the play shall not be stopped but shall continue with the legal puck until the play in progress is completed by change of possession. In this case, possession was never given up to the Stingers, and the goal counts! Someone on the Racer bench owes that little fan an ice cream cone.
April 24, 2025 at 3:16 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Today's question...leave a reply if you know the correct answer! #NHL
NHL rules: It’s Puck Night in Indianapolis, and the Racers are up 2-0 on the Stingers. In the second period, the Racers have the Stingers hemmed in deep and are snapping it around nicely. Suddenly, a young fan in Row F decides they don’t want a freebie after all, and throws their souvenir puck over the boards and onto the ice. The puck lands in the middle of the Stinger zone, briefly confusing both Stinger defensemen for a brief moment. Still with the puck, the Racers make a tic-tac-toe connection that ends in a goal. The crowd erupts, but the Stingers are furious, as there were two pucks in play at the time of the goal. The Stingers argue that the play should have been blown dead immediately, the Racers believe they have a goal. What’s the call?
April 22, 2025 at 8:21 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Yesterday's Answer...
April 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Who's excited for Caps - Habs tonight? Here's today's question, reply below if you know! #StanleyCupPlayoffs #NHL #Hockey
NHL Rules: What type of penalty does this gesture represent? (shows a referee with his hands at his hips)
April 21, 2025 at 3:20 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
The answer to yesterday's question below:
ANSWER: Rule 7.2 (Starting Line-up - Violation) states that in the event a team scores on the first shift of the game, and it is brought to the attention of the Referee by the opposing team that the team that scored did not have the correct starting line-up on the ice, the goal shall be allowed and a bench minor penalty assessed to the offending team for having an improper starting line-up. TWO MINUTES!
April 21, 2025 at 3:18 PM
theicejudge.bsky.social
Today's question is a bit of a trickier situation, reply below if you know! #StanleyCupPlayoffs
NHL rules: The Seagulls are hosting the Tigers. the Gulls open the game with a goal on the very first shift, 5 seconds into the game. However, the Tigers coach notices that the Seagulls did not have their announced starting lineup on the ice–the player who they reported would be starting at left defense was on the bench to start the game. The Tigers demand the goal be rescinded, the Gulls think the goal should stand. What’s the call?
April 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM