Based on my reading of rule 17.8.4, I agree with the original poster that an attacker on a penalty shot can be ahead of the puck after the start signal is given.

Rule 17.8.2 says that the attackers are initially behind the puck, but that rule specifically deals with preparing for the penalty shot... 17.8.3 describes starting the penalty shot, and 17.8.4 describes the action afterwards.

Since 17.8.4.1 states "The attacking players may immediately submerge and move to any legal position (e.g. shall not obstruct the defender)", it does seem to mean that the attackers can advance beyond the puck - if not, why would you have to add the clause "shall not obstruct the defender"? (which in fact didn't exist in previous versions of the rule). Obviously, if you're required to be behind the puck before it is touched, there's no way you could obstruct the defender.

I do vaguely recall some discussion amongst some refs about this in both 2004 and 2006, and that the above conclusion was reached each time... any refs out there who were actually in those conversations care to comment here?

Tim