GOON HOCKEY RULES
Goon Hockey
GOON HOCKEY is a form of ice hockey played on any sized sheet of ice. As in traditional ice hockey, each sheet of ice is divided into three sections / zones and a goal net is positioned at each end of the ice into which players will attempt to shoot the puck. A successful shot is one in which the entirety of the puck crosses the goal line for which the team of the shooting player is awarded 1 (one) point. Unless said shot is taken from beyond the red center line, in which case the scoring team is awarded two points.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Scoring is achieved by putting the puck into the net at the opponent’s end of the ice for points. Both teams simultaneously try to score points and prevent the opponent from scoring. The aim is to have outscored the opposing team when the game ends. A successful score is worth one point if the puck is shot from inside the “red line” or the line marking the “offensive zone” whereas a shot from behind the red line marking the “offensive zone” is worth two points.
PLAYING REGULATIONS
Games are played in 3 fifteen-minute periods with five minutes between each period. The ice SHALL NOT be resurfaced at any point between periods. The game begins with a SPRINT in which the skaters of each team must wait at their own goal line until the WRANGLER (referee) drops the puck at center ice which officially starts that game. Upon the drop, players for each team sprint to the puck and begin play immediately upon any one player contacting the puck with any part of their person or equipment.
If a game is tied with two minutes left, the outcome of the game shall be decided by a FRENZY in which three pucks are put into play at the same time. The first team to score two goals wins. If the game remains tied at the end of the Frenzy, two fans will be selected to shoot a puck from the goal line towards center ice. The puck closest to the center dot wins.
Music may or may not be played for any, all, or none of the game. There shall be no stoppage in music due to any on-ice activity.
A light show may or may not be displayed for any, all, or none of the game. There shall be no stoppage to the lights / light show due to any on-ice activity.
POSITIONS
Center
Forward
Defense
Goalie
WRANGLER (referee)
While typically called “referees”, due to the high-flying nature of Goon Hockey and the fact that penalties are few and far between, the folks tasked with, at best, overseeing the action are called “WRANGLERS” and are easily identified by their green with yellow lightning bolt sweaters.
PENALTIES
One of the most exciting differences between Goon Hockey and traditional hockey is the relative lack of penalties when compared to traditional ice hockey. Eliminating ticky-tacky goals bring the game a bit of an edge and keeps the fun going! As the saying goes in Goon Hockey, “Let ‘em play!”
Fouls that are enforced include:
A. Boarding
B. Slashing
C. Tripping
Goon Hockey DOES NOT have an “offsides” rule nor an “icing” rule!
If a penalty is called against either team, the team against which the penalty is NOT being called shall select a “penalty box” in which there is a note describing what penalty shall be assessed.
Under no circumstances shall either team have fewer than five skaters plus a goalie on the ice. Therefore, penalties shall not include removing / benching a skater. However, the on-ice wrangler working the at-issue game and/or any member of Goon Hockey ownership and/or management reserves the right to evict any player for any reasons.
Penalty Box examples:
The team of the penalized player:
Must wear an eye patch for 2 minutes;
Must play with the butt end of their sticks for 2 minutes;
Goalie must play with child's toy stick for 1 minute;
Skate backwards for 1 minute;
Play with backup goalie for 2 minutes;
All players must use toy stick for 2 minutes;
If the Wrangler is uncertain whether or not a penalty occurred, the Wrangler can ask the crowd for its opinion. The Wrangler may then either call the penalty or opt to, “Let ‘em play!” in which case no penalty is assessed.
EQUIPMENT
The equipment required for Goon Hockey is similar, if not identical, to that used in old style hockey including:
Helmet
Cage (not required for players over 18 years)
Shoulder Pads
Elbow Pads
Breezers
Knee Pads
Shin Pads
Skates
Stick
Ice (sheet of ice – particular dimensions unimportant)
Two Goals
ATHLETES and TRAINING
All Goon Hockey players are experienced hockey players with backgrounds ranging from youth AAA up to D1 college. Ice hockey can be an extremely dangerous game and injuries, and death, can and do happen.