Mon, 04 May 2026 05:06:41 +0000

They Called Icing a Foul—What It Really Means in Hockey Forever In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of hockey, every call can change the tide of a game. One such controversial call that continues to spark debate among fans, players, and analysts alike is the “icing a foul.” But beyond the whistle whistle, what does icing truly mean in hockey, and why does it still haunt players and referees alike? This article dives deep into the definition, history, and lasting impact of icing—and why it remains a pivotal moment in ice hockey forever. ### What Is Icing in Hockey? Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from their side of the red line across the opponent’s goal line without it being touched, and the puck crosses the front "ice line" (also called the neutral zone line) en route. Contrary to popular belief, icing isn’t an infraction of physical play—it’s entirely a mechanical rule violation.