Note: This rule book has been reformatted for web as a personal project and may contain inaccuracies based on the Official Hockey Canada 2026-2028 Rule book.
When a puck strikes a goaltender’s mask or helmet, Officials must stop play as soon as it is safe to do so, while still allowing for a direct deflection into the goal before blowing the whistle. This new rule reinforces concussion awareness and player safety.
Officials must now consider delayed minor and bench minor penalties when determining whether a penalty terminates after a goal.
The rule itself hasn't changed, however, the standards for judging goals have been clarified:
The procedure for refusing to start play has also changed. The previous two-minute warning has been removed. Officials now follow a clear progression: A bench minor, or a penalty shot in the final two minutes or anytime in overtime. Teams would then have an opportunity to comply. If they don't, a game misconduct is issued to the head coach and the game is forfeited.
Several officiating terms and signals have been added or updated this season:
It is not enough for a player to simply be wearing the required equipment. Officials must also recognize when that equipment is not fitted or worn correctly.
The acronym SNUG is used to help officials remember what to look for:
S – Snug fit on the head
N – No tilt
U– Up-close cage
G– Good and tight chinstrap
Officials must follow procedure when a helmet or facial protector is worn incorrectly, including issuing a team warning, assessing a misconduct penalty for a subsequent violation, and ensuring the equipment is properly adjusted before the player returns.