Hockey is a sport known for its intensity, physicality, and occasional bouts of fisticuffs. While fighting may seem contradictory to the spirit of fair play, it has become an integral part of the game’s history and culture. The sight of two players dropping their gloves and engaging in a spirited exchange can evoke mixed reactions among fans, players, and even casual observers.
But when can you fight in hockey?
According to Rule 64.9 of the Official NHL Rulebook, “Any teams whose players become involved in an altercation, other than during the periods of the game, shall be fined pursuant to Rule 64.19, in addition to any other appropriate penalties that may be imposed upon the participating players”
So, fighting is only permitted during the periods of the game.
Additionally, according to the rules, instigating a fight outside of the periods of play is an automatic $25,000 fine.
According to the Official NHL Rulebook fighting is only permitted in the three periods of play. This means that fighting in warmups, or after the game will result in automatic penalties and fines.
Fighting Other Than During the Periods of the Game – Rule 64.9
Any teams whose players become involved in an altercation, other than during the periods of the game, shall be fined pursuant to Rule 64.19, in addition to any other appropriate penalties that may be imposed upon the participating players by supplementary discipline or otherwise.
Players involved in fighting other than during the periods of the game shall be assessed a:
Major penalty (5 min)
Game misconduct (ejection)
Should one player be deemed the instigator of the fight, the game misconduct shall not be assessed to his opponent. Any player who would be deemed to be an instigator pursuant to this rule at a time other than during the periods of the game shall be:
In the case of altercations taking place after the period or game, the fine under this rule (64.19) shall be assessed only in the event that an altercation is commenced after the period or game has terminated. Should players come onto the ice from their players’ benches after the period ends and prior to the start of an altercation, they shall not be penalized if they remain in the vicinity of their players’ bench and provided they do not get involved in any altercations.
Fines and Suspensions – Fighting Other Than During the Periods – Rule 64.19
Any teams whose players become involved in an altercation, other than during the periods of the game (see Rule 64.9), shall receive a:
$25,000 fine, in addition to any other appropriate penalties that may be imposed upon the participating players by supplementary discipline or otherwise.
Any player who would be deemed to be an instigator pursuant to this rule at a time other than during the periods of the game shall receive a:
Suspended automatically for 10 games.
Such determination may be made by the Referee at the time of the incident or subsequently by the Commissioner or his designee based upon such reports and other information as he deems sufficient, including but not limited to television tapes.
Can You Refuse A Fight In Hockey
Yes, in most cases you can refuse a fight in hockey.
Most hockey players will follow an unwritten “code of honor” that guide fighting behavior in hockey. Some of these unwritten rules in hockey fighting include:
No sucker punches
No punching after the player falls
Pick on someone your own size
It is very rare that a player will start swinging on an unsuspecting opponent if the opponent has done nothing to provoke such actions. Even enforcers who are trying to get their team riled up will usually:
Ask opponents if they want to fight
Pick someone their own size
It is however a different story if you have been actively engaging in aggressive behavior, or engaged in egregious acts. Opposing players will usually retaliate to heinous acts by fighting the perpetrator. In this case, players will usually not ask to fight, they will drop the gloves and start swinging. In this case, the opposing player being swung on can either:
Fight
Turtle
Even in instances of retaliation, most players will stop throwing punches if their opponent falls to the ground. As such, some players will “turtle” to the ice, or fall to the ice and cover their face/head.
Can You Get Kicked Out Of A Hockey Game For Fighting?
Yes, you can receive a game misconduct (ejection) for fighting in hockey. However, this only happens under very specific circumstances. Here are scenarios outlined in Rule 64 of the Official NHL Rulebook that would result in a player being ejected from the game:
Punching a player who is in a defenseless position (64.2)
Punching a player who is unwilling to fight (64.2)
Continuing to fight after the refs deem the fight over (64.5)
Fighting off the ice (64.8)
Fighting outside the periods of the game (64.9)
Instigating more than 1 fight in a game (64.11)
Instigating a fight in the last 5 minutes of game (64.12)
Instigating a fight in overtime (64.12)
Not wearing a fight strap (64.13)
Removing your jersey during a fight (64.13)
Joining a fight between two players (64.16)
Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers Fans?
On December 23rd, 1979 the Boston Bruins took to the stands to fight Rangers fans at Madison Square Garden. The incident resulted in multiple lawsuits as well as the league-wide installation of higher glass at arenas.
The altercations happened after the Bruins won the game against New York, 4-3. Both teams stepped onto the ice when a scrum broke out. The crowd of arguing players drifted towards the corner of the ice where a fan reached over the glass and struck a player in the face with a rolled-up magazine.
A few more swings were exchanged between the Bruins players and fans – as well as a stick being taken by one of the fans – before the Bruins players decided to climb over the glass to confront the belligerents. The 2~3 fans involved in the altercation tried to run away but were quickly grabbed, and pummeled by the Bruins players – truly a crazy story.
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