HOCKEY PROMPT

What a perfect question, considering just yesterday I officiated a game where this question had to be brought up. The age and skill level was U13 A I believe, so neither very old players nor at a very high skill level. After scoring their first goal, one team's players celebrated by sliding on one knee and then very enthusiastically embracing their teammates at centre ice. The display was more dramatic than normal, especially for a 1-0 score in the first period, but I see no issue with a team and it's players being excited, especially in such an exciting game such as hockey. No, where I personally draw the line was shown in the very next period from the same team and the same player, where after scoring the go ahead goal to make the score 2-1, the same player starts by sliding on one knee again, but this time, with the opponent's bench closer, they point to the bench on their way to centre and while still on one knee.

The point to the bench earned the player a minor for unsportsmanlike conduct, as would any celebration directed at the opposing team. The only other situation where I'd deliver the same penalty is in a lop-sided game where the team leading continues to celebrate dramatically as that too is a recipe for disaster.

I respect individual's rights to be excited after scoring, but intentionally making others feel worse is crossing a line.