Falling on the Puck

Falling on the Puck is an infraction in ice hockey that occurs when a player other than the goalie intentionally covers up the puck with his body or picks up or holds onto the puck.

In most cases, players falling on the puck will use a hand to gather the puck underneath their body so that it cannot be accessed by members of the opposing team. Deliberately falling on the puck usually results in a minor penalty (or bench minor). In cases where a defensive player falls on the puck in the goal crease, a penalty shot or even a goal can be awarded to the opposing team. Falling on the puck can also constitute a delay of game penalty, usually when a player closes his hand over the puck.