What is a delayed penalty in ice hockey?
B · Beginner · Penalties · 9 of 10If the team that fouled has the puck, the referee blows the whistle at once. If not, the referee raises an arm and lets play go on until the offending team touches the puck. During that delay the fouled team often pulls its goalkeeper for an extra attacker. If it scores, a pending minor penalty is cancelled.
How it works
- Offending team has the puck: the whistle goes at once.
- Other team has the puck: delayed penalty, signalled with a raised arm.
- The whistle: when the offending team gains control of the puck.
- Extra attacker: the non-offending team may replace its goalkeeper with a skater during the delay.
- Goal during the delay: a pending minor penalty is not imposed; majors still are.
- Two pending minors and a goal: the offending captain chooses which one is cancelled.
- Double-minors: a goal during the delay cancels half; the player serves two minutes.
- Power play: the team with more players while the other serves a penalty.
- Face-off after a penalty: in the offending team's end zone, with exceptions after goals and at period ends.
- Ejected personnel: must leave the bench area and may not direct the team.
The glossary has the delayed penalty, the penalty, the power play, the empty net, the possession and control of the puck and the minor penalty.
Tricky cases
During a delayed penalty, the attacking team accidentally shoots into its own empty net. Goal?
Yes. The offending team cannot score during a delay, but the non-offending team can put the puck in its own net.
A minor penalty is signalled and the other team scores. Does the penalty stand?
No. The minor is cancelled by the goal.
Can the offending team score during the delay?
No. Play is stopped before the puck can enter the goal if possible.
Does a major penalty get cancelled by a goal?
No. Majors are imposed regardless.
Why the rule exists
Stopping play at once would punish the fouled team by ending its attack. The delay lets it finish the play, and the extra attacker makes the advantage count.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed calling | Arm raised | IIHF 15.1 |
| Goal during delay | Minor cancelled | IIHF 15.2 |
| Developmental rules | Penalties not ending on a goal (pilot only) | IIHF Appendix VII |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 15, 18.2, 76.2 and 78.5 (XI). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.