Man in the goal crease
Definition goal crease
The goal crease is a three-dimensional space and includes the air above the
markings on ice up to the top of the crossbar.
Definition ‘relevant’ contact
When an attacking player makes contact with his body or stick with the opposing
goaltender and affects the possibility of the goaltender to make a save, or to play his
position, then we speak of ‘relevant contact’.
Regarding to ‘man in the goal crease’ we can identify these situations.
1. An attacking player takes position in the goal crease.
The referee communicates during the play with this player and commands him to
get out the crease. When the players stays in the crease, the referee stops the
play an d the ensuing face-off will take place at a face-off spot outside the blue
line.
2. If a skater of the attacking team is pushed, shoved, or fouled by a defending
skater to cause him to be in the goal crease when the puck enters the goal net,
the goal will be allowed unless the attacking skater had sufficient time to get out
of the goal crease. Rule 95-i
3. If the puck is loose in the goal crease and put into in the goal net by the stick of
an attacking skater, the goal will be allowed. Rule 95-ii
4. If an attacking skater is in the goal crease at the moment the puck crosses the
plane of the goal line and his position in no way affects the goaltender’s ability to
make a save or play his position properly, the goal will be allowed. Rule 95-iii
5. If a puck is deflected into the goal net by the stick or body of an attacking skater
who has established position while the goaltender is in his crease prior to the
puck entering the three-dimensional space of the crease, the goal will not count
and the ensuing faceoff will take place at a faceoff spot outside the blue line.
Rule 94-xii
6. If a skater’s skates are not in the goal crease in 94-xii, but his stick is, then any
goal scored off the stick will be allowed provided the stick is not interfering with
the goaltender’s ability to play his position. If the stick is interfering, the goal will
not be allowed, and the ensuing faceoff will take place at a faceoff spot outside
the blue line. Rule 94-xiii
Interpretation:
The goal is not allowed when there is ‘relevant contact’ between attacking player
and opposing goaltender or when the attacking player obscures the goaltender’s
sightline.
See also video clips at: https://youtu.be/ocsNJa-YlIs