Definition: Shooting the puck to the end of the ice from behind the center ice red line.
If the puck crosses the opposing goal line untouched, and is then retrieved by an opposing player, icing is called.
Considered a delaying tactic, it results in a stoppage in play and a faceoff in the offending team's defensive zone.
If, in the opinion of the linesman, any player of the opposing team is able to play the puck before it passes his goal line, but does not do so, the linesman can "wave off" icing, allowing play to continue.
The purpose of the rule is to encourage continuous action. Referees and Linesmen interpret and apply the rule to produce that result.
