charging (ice hockey)

{{Short description|Penalty in ice hockey}}

Charging is a penalty in ice hockey.

Rule 42 of the NHL rulebook dictates that:

A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who skates, jumps into or charges an opponent in any manner.

Charging shall mean the actions of a player who, as a result of distance traveled, shall violently check an opponent in any manner.

A 'charge' is generally the result of attempting to hit an opposing player beyond what is called for with a typical hockey body check. This is based on the speed of the offending player, how the attacker propels themselves into the hit, or if they are targeting the goaltender.{{cite web |url=https://hockeyresponse.com/what-is-a-charging-penalty-in-hockey/ |title=What Is A Charging Penalty in Hockey? (NHL Charging Rule) |publisher=hockeyresponse.com |accessdate=Nov 11, 2024}}

The infraction may warrant any severity of penalty or combination of penalties as the officials deem fit, including a major plus a game misconduct, or suspension if the infraction results in injury to the opposing player.