When is a goal disallowed for goalie interference?
I · Intermediate · Fouls · 10 of 13A goal is disallowed if an attacker, by position or contact, stops the goalkeeper moving freely in the crease or defending the goal, or deliberately contacts the goalkeeper anywhere. Standing in the crease is not by itself enough to rule out a goal. Incidental contact outside the crease is allowed if the attacker tried to avoid it.
How it works
- Position alone: does not decide; goals with an attacker in the crease may stand.
- No goal: if the attacker impairs the goalkeeper's movement or defence, or makes deliberate contact.
- Inside the crease: any relevant contact by an attacker, incidental or not, means no goal.
- Significant position: an attacker staying in the crease and blocking the view means no goal.
- Outside the crease: incidental contact is allowed if the attacker tried to avoid it.
- Pushed in: an attacker pushed into the goalkeeper by a defender is not blamed.
- Pushing the goalkeeper in: with the puck after a save, no goal.
- Penalty: deliberate contact brings a minor or major for goalkeeper interference.
- Face-off: at the nearest neutral-zone spot outside the attacking zone.
- Reviews: by the referee, or by coach's challenge where used.
The glossary has the interference on the goalkeeper, the goal crease, the goalkeeper, the referee, the video review and the goal.
Tricky cases
A forward stands at the edge of the crease screening the goalkeeper, without contact. Goal?
Yes, unless they establish a significant position inside the crease that impairs the goalkeeper.
A defender shoves a forward into their own goalkeeper and a goal follows. Goal?
Yes, if the forward tried to avoid the contact.
The goalkeeper comes out to play the puck and an attacker bumps them lightly. Goal?
It can stand if the contact was incidental and the attacker tried to avoid it.
Can a coach challenge a "no goal" call for goalkeeper interference?
Yes, where the coach's challenge is used.
Why the rule exists
The goalkeeper must be able to move freely to do the job. The rule protects that space without banning attackers from going to the net.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the crease | Any relevant contact rules out a goal | IIHF 69.3 |
| Outside the crease | Incidental contact allowed | IIHF 69.4 |
| Coach's challenge | Both ways | IIHF 38.2 (III) |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 38.2, 69 and 78.5 (V). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.