In Part 1, we explored some of the most unexpected quirks in the NHL rulebook—from delay of game penalties for flipping the puck into the crowd to the infamous trapezoid restricting goalies. But hockey’s rabbit hole of strange rules goes far deeper. With roots in tradition, player safety, and the sheer chaos of the sport, many of these regulations leave fans scratching their heads and players reacting in real-time.

Let’s hit the ice once more as we uncover more hidden gems from hockey’s rulebook—rules that prove this game is as much about strategy and precision as it is about skill and speed.

The “Helmet Off During a Fight” Rule

Fighting has always been a controversial yet iconic part of hockey. But in recent years, player safety has become a greater priority—especially when it comes to head injuries. That’s where the helmet removal rule comes in.

If two players drop the gloves and intentionally remove their helmets before the fight begins, they both receive an additional two-minute minor penalty on top of their fighting majors. This rule is meant to discourage bare-knuckle blows to unprotected heads.

However, if a helmet comes off accidentally during the fight, there’s no extra penalty. What’s even more interesting? If a player removes only their opponent’s helmet during the altercation, they’re penalized too. It’s all about protecting players—even in the heat of battle.

The “No Helmet, No Play” Rule

This safety-first approach extends beyond fighting. According to NHL Rule 9.6, if a player’s helmet comes off during play, they must immediately leave the ice or retrieve and replace it before continuing.

Players used to keep playing helmetless for the remainder of the shift, leading to dangerous situations—especially near the boards. This rule, updated in recent years, aims to prevent injuries by forcing players to choose: get off the ice or re-gear fast.

There’s one exception: if a player puts the helmet back on and fastens it properly, they can stay in play. But no chinstrap? No dice.

The “Too Many Pucks on the Ice” Rule

During warmups, teams are allowed to bring multiple pucks onto the ice—but here’s the kicker: if any extra puck remains on the ice once the period officially begins, the team can be assessed a delay of game penalty.

It’s rare, but it happens. Whether a puck gets stuck in the net or forgotten behind the boards, the presence of an “illegal” puck during live play creates confusion and can affect gameplay. So yes, even a rogue biscuit can cost you two minutes in the box.

The “Goalie Loses Equipment” Rule

Goaltending is a dangerous position, which is why the rules take extra care when it comes to equipment—especially the goalie’s mask.

If a goalie’s mask comes off during play, the whistle is blown immediately, and the play is stopped for safety reasons. But here’s where it gets tricky: if a scoring opportunity is in motion, referees can allow the play to continue for a few more seconds before stopping it. That means a maskless goalie could still face a shot before the whistle goes.

This “wait and see” approach often sparks debate—balancing player safety with fairness in scoring chances.

The “Kicked-In Goal” Rule

Not all goals are created equal. According to NHL rules, if a puck enters the net as a direct result of a distinct kicking motion, the goal is disallowed. But here’s the weird twist—if a puck deflects off a skate without a kicking motion, it’s a good goal.

In other words, players can angle their skates to redirect the puck, but they can’t kick it in.

Video reviews are often used to analyze this distinction in detail. The gray area between a subtle redirection and a “distinct kicking motion” continues to be one of the most debated calls in the game.

The “Dislodged Net” Rule

If the net comes off its moorings during a scoring play, the situation gets complicated fast.

A goal can only count if the puck crosses the goal line between the pegs where the net normally stands, even if the net has been slightly displaced. If the puck enters outside of that space or the net has been pushed off intentionally, no goal is awarded.

Goalies sometimes try to “accidentally” dislodge the net under pressure, especially during odd-man rushes. If refs believe this was done deliberately, the goalie can be penalized with a delay of game or even face a penalty shot against.

The “Ejected Stick” Rule

Let’s say a stick is tossed or thrown onto the ice during a scoring chance. If it disrupts play, the referees can call a penalty shot for interference—even if the stick comes from the bench or a player who’s not involved in the play.

It doesn’t even have to be a stick. If any object is thrown (like a glove or water bottle), and it impedes an attacking player’s opportunity, it’s a penalty shot.

Yes, even a flying mitt can lead to a game-changing moment.

The “Faceoff Violation” Sequence

We touched on tied faceoffs in Part 1, but there’s even more nuance. If a player commits a faceoff violation—like moving too early, encroaching illegally, or delaying—the linesman will eject them from the dot. If the team commits a second violation before the puck is dropped, they’re assessed a minor penalty.

This rule encourages discipline during one of the most common events in a game. Even before the puck hits the ice, teams are playing chess.

Final Thoughts

Hockey’s rulebook is a masterclass in balance—protecting players, maintaining fairness, and embracing the sport’s unpredictable nature. While some rules seem strange at first glance, each one serves a purpose, shaped by decades of evolution and lessons learned on the ice.

From helmets to hand passes, dislodged nets to flying sticks, these rules are what make hockey truly unique. They add depth, drama, and the occasional “wait, what just happened?” moment that brings fans back for more.

So next time you’re watching a game and the whistle blows out of nowhere, you might just be witnessing one of hockey’s many hidden rules in action.

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