Face-offs

Restart

An official drops the puck between opposing players at a designated face-off spot. Location depends on the reason for the stoppage; a territorial advantage cannot simply be gained by causing a violation.

Procedure

Players must take the required positions and avoid premature encroachment or contact. Violations can require replacement of the centre and repeated team violations can bring a bench minor. The clock starts when the puck is dropped.

After icing, the first face-off violation by either team brings a warning without removing the centre; a subsequent violation by that team brings a bench minor.