How does a coach start a Coach's Challenge?

• The coach must tell a Referee verbally, before the centre ice face-off following a goal. For a "no goal" call due to goalkeeper interference, or a minor penalty for delaying the game (puck over the glass), the challenge must be made before play resumes.
• The coach must give the Referee, with reasonable specificity, the actual infraction being claimed and the approximate time on the clock when it happened. Failing to do so may result in the right to challenge being denied.
• Only one Coach's Challenge per team per stoppage is permitted.
• Teams may not unduly delay the resumption of play while deciding whether to challenge. Delay tactics may cost the right to challenge and, at the Referee's discretion, a minor penalty for delaying the game.

Source: NHL Official Rules 2026-2027, Rule 38.4.