Choose the decision

Use the IIHF Official Rule Book 2026/27. This practice quiz assumes senior regulation play, both goalkeepers present and no additional infractions unless stated. Select one answer per question, then read the explanation.

Do not transfer these answers automatically to NHL, NCAA, USA Hockey or local youth competitions. Check the rules adopted by your competition. This is a draft learning resource for review.

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For a classroom activity, use the lesson plan and printable worksheet. Explore the wider hockey rules collection, checking each resource’s named edition and competition scope.

Rule authority

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. Mira receives an attacking-zone pass with one skate blade touching the blue line as the puck enters. Offside?
Answer and explanation

No

Blade contact preserves onside status; her torso position does not decide.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

2. During delayed offside, Leon pursues the loose puck before clearing. Decision?
Answer and explanation

Stop play

Attempting possession suffices; touching the puck is unnecessary.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

3. Nia legally passes backward into her defending zone, where an opponent waits. Offside?
Answer and explanation

No

Her deliberate return permits play; the opponent's position alone does not prohibit it.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

4. Potential icing: goalkeeper Omar attempts to play the puck but misses. Decision?
Answer and explanation

Continue

The attempt cancels icing; contact is unnecessary.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

5. Red clears down-ice just before its only penalty expires. Icing?
Answer and explanation

No

Release before expiry controls; arrival afterward does not restore icing.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

6. Officials acknowledge an erroneous icing whistle. Restart location?
Answer and explanation

Center ice

An erroneous whistle requires center ice, unlike a valid icing.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

7. Red commits a minor while controlling the puck. Whistle?
Answer and explanation

Immediately

Offending-team control requires stoppage; delaying would be incorrect.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

8. Blue scores a penalty shot against Red, currently serving one minor. Release Red's penalized player?
Answer and explanation

No

Penalty-shot goals do not terminate minors; ordinary power-play goal treatment differs.

Rule basis: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) · Official Rule Book 2026/27, Version 1.0 · IIHF senior regulation play; excludes domestic adaptations and youth-specific competition rules.

Rule editions and sources