Goaltender Interference

Goaltender interference is a common occurrence in a hockey game.  It happens when a player in front of the goal (intentionally or not) skates into the goalie, sometimes even being pushed into him.  Not only the goaltenders, but the attacking players can sustain injuries upon contact.  Concussions are common injuries even with the helmets that the players are now required to wear. The goaltender also has the risk of hitting his head on the goal posts and/or the crossbar.  Goaltender interference is called and determined based on if the goalie did not have the ability to move freely in front of his goal in the crease. The rules state that a goal will be called no good if "(1) an attacking player, either by his positioning or by contact, impairs the goalkeeper’s ability to move freely within his crease or defend his goal; or (2) an attacking player initiates intentional or deliberate contact with a goalkeeper, inside or outside of his goal crease."  As you can see in the image, player 55 is in the way of the goaltender, also in his crease (the blue semi circular shape around the goal) preventing him from attempting to stop the puck from entering the goal. A goaltender interference call must be made at the time of the offense by a referee, and not by using video replay or review technology.  In most cases, a player will be assessed a minor (2 minute) penalty or for even worse hits, a major (5 minute) penalty.  If deemed appropriate by the referee, a more significant penalty can be assessed.  Any illegal hit on the goalie is subjected to further supplementary discipline if the commissioner feels it is appropriate.