What does crease mean in hockey?

In the NHL, the crease — also known as the “goal crease” — is the area of ice directly in front of the net, identified by a red border and blue interior. An attacking player is not allowed to precede the puck into the crease, though the referee is instructed to use his discretion in enforcing this rule.

What is the area around the goalie called?

goal crease
The goal crease is the main area that goalies play in during the game, to protect the goal; although they are not restricted to only playing in this area.

What is the common name for the goalies crease?

The goalie usually plays in or near the area in front of the net called the goal crease (often referred to simply as the crease).

What is the blue semi circle in ice hockey?

Other markings The blue-filled semicircle near the net belongs to the goaltender. The crease, outlined in red, is eight feet wide and extends six feet from the goal line. While attacking players are now allowed inside the crease (since 2000) they can’t interfere with the goalie’s ability to make a save.

Why is there a goalie crease?

The crease is intended to be a safe zone for the goalie—hockey rules prohibit attacking players within the crease from making unnecessary contact with the goalie.

Can a player be in the goalie crease?

A player is allowed to skate through the goalie crease or enter the crease to pursue a puck that has entered into the crease. However, a player in the crease is in no way allowed to obstruct or impede the movement of the goaltender as this will result in a goaltender interference penalty for 2 minutes.

What does inside the crease mean?

The goalie crease rules have a long history of change. Even if you go back only twenty years ago, a player was not allowed to go into the goal crease at all or the goal would be disallowed. (We will talk about the Brett Hull 1999 controversy later on).

Can you be in the crease?

Players are definitely allowed to skate through the crease. As long as the player does not make contact with the goaltender or impede him in his ability to make a save this is perfectly legal. As well, a player is allowed to go into the crease to pursue a puck that has not been covered up or frozen by a goaltender.

What is a goalie called in hockey?

The goaltender is also known as the goalie, goaler, goalkeeper, net minder, and tender by those involved in the hockey community.

Why do hockey goalies go behind the net?

Empty net goals usually occur on two occasions in ice hockey: In the final minutes of a game, if a team is within two goals, they will often pull the goalie, leaving the net defenseless, for an extra attacker, in order to have a better chance of scoring to either tie or get within one goal.

Why do goalies carve up the crease?

Goalies scrape the ice around them with their skates and stick to prepare the crease before the start of play. They do this for a few reasons, to stop the build-up of snow, to make their crease flatter and to make the puck slide slower.

Why are the bottom of hockey boards yellow?

The kickplate at the bottom of the boards is light yellow. The boards are constructed so that the surface facing the ice is smooth and free of any obstruction or any object that could cause injury to players.

What is the goal crease in hockey?

In the NHL, the crease — also known as the “goal crease” — is the area of ice directly in front of the net, identified by a red border and blue interior. An attacking player is not allowed to precede the puck into the crease, though the referee is instructed to use his discretion in enforcing this rule.

What happens if the puck crosses the goal line in hockey?

As the NHLOA notes on its website: If an attacking player is standing in the goal crease when the puck enters the crease then crosses the goal line, “in no way does he affect the goalkeeper’s ability to defend his goal.” The result — despite an apparent crease violation — is a goal, notes the organization.

What are the dimensions of the goal crease?

The goal crease is a half circle and the dimensions for NHL and North American hockey leagues are as follows: The sides of the crease will run perpendicular to the goal line and extend 1 foot past each goal posts.

Why was Eric Lindros called for interference on the goalie?

1. Lindros is called for interference on the goalie after he stands in the goal crease and prevents the goalie from moving freely within the crease. What Are The NHL Goal Crease Rules?