What is the boarding penalty in the NHL? Know everything about one of the most controversial officiating rules in hockey

The NHL is a fast-paced and aggressive sport that requires players to have quick reflexes and physical strength. However, sometimes the intensity of the game can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations. This is where the boarding penalty comes in.

The boarding penalty is one of the NHL’s most difficult penalties to assess during a live game, causing disagreement between fans and organizations.

In the NHL, a boarding penalty occurs when a player checks an opponent from behind, causing them to crash into the boards with excessive force. Boarding can cause serious injuries, such as concussions, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. As such, the league has implemented strict rules to prevent this dangerous behavior.

In the USA Hockey handbook, boarding is defined as:

“Boarding is the action where a player pushes, trips or body checks an opponent causing them to go dangerously into the boards.”

The boarding penalty is a two-minute minor penalty that is called when a player intentionally pushes or hits an opponent from behind and causes them to hit the boards violently. The penalty is meant to discourage players from engaging in dangerous plays that can cause severe injuries to their opponents.

However, the boarding penalty is also one of the most controversial officiating rules in hockey. Many fans and players believe that the rule is too subjective and often leads to inconsistent calls by the referees. Some argue that a player can be called for boarding even if the hit is unintentional or if the opponent turns their back at the last second.

To avoid receiving a boarding penalty, players are taught to approach their opponent from the side or front and not to hit them when they are in a vulnerable position. Players are also trained to be aware of their surroundings and to make safe and legal hits.

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The NHL's approach to making the game as safe as possible

Winnipeg Jets v Anaheim Ducks

The NHL has implemented several measures to prevent boarding and other dangerous plays. For example, they have made it mandatory for players to wear helmets and have increased the height of the boards to prevent players from getting injured when they crash into them.

Overall, the boarding penalty is an important rule in the league meant to protect players from serious injuries. However, it is also a controversial rule that can be difficult to enforce consistently. As the game evolves, the NHL will likely continue to refine and adjust its rules to ensure that players can compete safely and fairly.