Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim M  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 |
Thanks Tim for the rule quote, that's exactly the paragraph causing one of the doubts...
about Question 2, Rule 17.8.4.6 says: "The defending player, at his/her own discretion, will submerge and must keep one hand in contact with the end line wall until an attacker has taken possession of the puck; whereupon, the defender need no longer to touch the wall with one hand. [ ..] "
now, I will review my video library, I think at Sheffield, the defender was allowed to submerge WITHOUT keeping one hand in contact with the end line wall, but he must touch it before making his play (like when a sub enters after a scored goal, but before any of the other players touchs the puck). Again, it's something I hear and if I am not wrong, I also saw in some videos. I will recheck.