How does video review work in ice hockey?
I · Intermediate · Officials, injuries and categories · 12 of 13Where video review is used, a review consultant checks every goal: whether the puck crossed the line, was kicked, hit a high stick or went in after time ran out. At some championships coaches may also challenge a goal for offside, a missed stoppage or goalkeeper interference. A failed challenge costs a two-minute bench minor.
How it works
- Every goal: reviewed by the video review consultant.
- Reviewable: the puck over the line; net displaced; time expiring; kicking; batting by hand; deflection off an official; high stick; entry through the net; penalty shot and shootout attempts.
- Only before play resumes: no goal can be given or taken away once play restarts.
- Goal judges: used where there is no video review.
- Coach's challenge: at selected championships only.
- What can be challenged: offside before a goal, a missed stoppage in the attacking zone, goalkeeper interference both ways, a puck-over-glass penalty.
- The standard: the call is overturned only on clear and conclusive evidence.
- Failed challenge: a bench minor; a second failure, a double bench minor.
- Major penalties: at some championships, referees review their own major calls.
The glossary has the video review, the offside, the interference on the goalkeeper, the goal, the bench minor penalty and the delay of game.
Tricky cases
The offside happened, the puck left the zone and came back before the goal. Can it be challenged?
No. Only if the puck stayed in the zone between the offside and the goal.
A challenge fails because the video feed goes black. Penalty?
No. The call stands, the challenge counts as failed, but no bench minor is given.
Can a challenge be used to get a penalty called?
No. A puck-over-glass challenge can only cancel a penalty, not create one.
Two goals are scored on one play, one at each end. Which counts?
If review confirms the first, the second does not count.
Why the rule exists
Goals decide games, and many happen too fast to judge live. A penalty for failed challenges stops coaches from challenging everything.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Goal review | Every goal | IIHF 37.2 |
| Coach's challenge | Selected championships | IIHF 37.3, 38 |
| No video | Goal judges | IIHF 37.7 |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 18.4, 20.6, 37 and 38. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.