What is boarding in hockey?
We are now John Carlson days away from hockey
The Washington Capitals open up their 50th season in 74 days from now if you're reading this on this fine Tuesday. Time for some more Hockey 101 as we gear up for another big season. Today's lesson is what is boarding in hockey.
What is boarding?
Boarding is a penalty that's called when an offending player pushes a player into the boards or walls of a hockey rink. In ice hockey it can be a major penalty called depending on the offense like we saw Matt Rempe do against some of our heroes in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
In the NHL, if a major penalty is called officials have a discretion to call a game misconduct or a match penalty. In North American professional hockey, if the boarded player sustains a hand or facial injury then that is a game misconduct. If no injury happens then it's a minor penalty.
In the college game, the player doesn't have to be injured for it to be a major penalty. It's typically called when the opposing player is hit 4-5 feet away from the boards and hits a players' head against the boards on the way down. It could be the reason why Ryan Leonard is sticking around at Boston College but again this is a guessing game.
Don’t miss the latest episode of ‘Break the Ice,’ presented by @mysuperfd, as Ryan Leonard joins @VogsCaps to discuss his freshman year at Boston College, playing for Team USA, and more.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 17, 2024
Streaming on all your favorite podcast places now! pic.twitter.com/Gu6VYN58Bb
Via Nick Horwat of Breakaway on SI Leonard talked more about his Boston College experience to NHL.com:
"Maybe if our game against Denver goes the other way, it could have been, different, and I could have played the end of the season with the Capitals. But Washington has been really supportive. They told me whenever I was ready, they'd be grateful and happy. Leaving my team after losing that last game against Denver was just something I couldn't do."
The controversy was that the Caps surprised many when they got into the Stanley Cup playoffs and some fans wanted Leonard on the team. But the kid wasn't ready and you honestly can't blame him. Losing stings and you always want to try your best the next day.
The pipeline looks good though. The Hershey Bears went on to win back to back Calder Cups. Leonard just needs the taste of winning then he'll be ready. We totally get it.