6/14 Learn
Faceoffs & Restarts
Start play fairly and confidently, every time.
Rules come first. Current PCAHA and Hockey Canada rules always take priority over this guide. If in doubt, follow your mentor.
Set up
- Skate to the correct faceoff spot.
- Check that players are lined up on the correct side and the goalies are ready.
- Make eye contact with your partner so you know they are ready too.
Drop the puck
- Stand square to the dot, knees bent, feet apart.
- Hold the puck out at about waist height.
- Drop it flat, straight down onto the dot.
- Back away from the circle right away, out of the players’ path.
Practise your drop with your mentor before your first game.
Fix problems calmly
If a player is out of position or moves early, stop and reset. At U9, a short, friendly instruction usually fixes it:
“Number 9, stick on the ice and wait for the drop, please.”
Where does the restart go?
Faceoff locations at U9 follow the normal Hockey Canada rules, after every stoppage.
| Stoppage | Usual faceoff spot |
|---|---|
| Goal scored | Centre ice |
| Goalie freezes the puck | End-zone dot in that zone, on the side the puck was frozen |
| Icing | End-zone dot of the team that iced it |
| Offside | Neutral-zone dot nearest to where it happened |
| Puck out of play | Nearest dot in the zone where it was last played |
Watch the clinic video
▶Module 3: FaceoffsRemember
Never rush a faceoff. Players ready, partner ready, then drop.