Question

A goalkeeper leaves their crease and rushes forward to a loose puck inside their privileged area, in an attempt to beat a lone attacker who is also skating toward the puck. If the goalkeeper reaches the puck first and falls on it, causing a stoppage of play, should the Referee assess a minor penalty for Delaying the Game?

Answer 1

No, the Referee should not assess a minor penalty for Delaying the Game in this scenario.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, the Referee should not assess a minor penalty for Delaying the Game in this scenario. When a goalkeeper leaves their crease to reach a loose puck, they are permitted to fall on the puck and initiate a stoppage of play, as this is a normal part of the game and not considered delaying the game. The privileged area refers to the goalie's crease, and the goalie has the right to play the puck within this area. Falling on the puck to stop play is not penalized in hockey.