Ice Hockey Rules Changes - 2022-23

Download PDF here.

8-4-1: Change: Section title change to “Interference with the Game”

ART. 1…In the event that objects that interfere with the progress of the game are thrown onto the ice, a whistle is blown by a non-official, or other fan interference, the official shall blow the whistle and stop the play, and the puck shall be faced off at the nearest faceoff spot in the zone where play is stopped.
Rationale: This change gives the official the opportunity to stop play when there is interference from spectators that potentially impacts the game.

9-1-9: Change: Moved 9-1-10b to be new 9-1-9e.

The puck shall be faced off at the nearest faceoff spot in the zone where the puck was last fairly played, which is where the puck was last fairly in contact with a player or that player’s stick, unless otherwise provided for in these rules when:
e. an attacking any player causes the puck to leave the rink, or that player or player’s stick was last to touch the puck before it left the rink from this zone; or
Rationale: It can be a very contentious situation between officials and coaches when a puck is deflected out of play and two sticks were near the play. It can be very difficult to determine where the faceoff should take place. This change simplifies the situation and removes the contentious situation from the game.

9-8-4: Change: ART. 4…If at any time while play is in progress a puck other than the one officially in play shall appear on the playing surface and interferes with the progress of the game, play shall be stopped immediately and the puck shall be faced off at the nearest faceoff spot in the zone where play is stopped.
Rationale: This change is clarifying where the faceoff shall take place if this situation should arise.