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Olympic Hockey: No Fighting Allowed!
10 Feb
Summary
- IIHF rules prohibit fighting in international ice hockey.
- Fighting in the Olympics can lead to ejection and suspension.
- Players are expected to avoid fights to prevent penalties.
International ice hockey operates under strict anti-fighting regulations, as outlined in Rule 46 of the IIHF rulebook. These rules will be in effect for the 2026 Winter Olympics, meaning that any instances of fighting will not be tolerated. The IIHF's stance is that fighting is not inherent to the sport's international identity.
Penalties for fighting under IIHF rules are significantly more severe than those in the NHL. While NHL fights typically result in a five-minute penalty, IIHF rules can lead to a major penalty coupled with an automatic game misconduct. Further supplementary discipline may also be imposed, potentially leading to suspensions.
Consequences for engaging in or instigating fights include automatic game misconducts and ejections from the game. Referees have discretion, but persistent engagement in altercations or resisting officials will result in severe penalties. Players are expected to adhere to these rules to avoid penalties and maintain their participation in the tournament.
