When is a linesperson allowed to stop play?

Question

Accepted Answer

Rule 5.3 (a) of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-2028 authorizes linespersons to stop play when: an off-side situation arises; an icing the puck situation arises; there has been premature entry into the face-off circle; the puck goes outside the playing area; the puck is interfered with by an ineligible person; the puck has been batted with the hand from one player to a teammate and it is obvious the referee has not seen it; the puck has been struck with a high stick and it is obvious the referee has not seen it; there are too many players on the ice (if it is a delayed penalty, play is stopped when the offending team gains possession and control of the puck); the goal has been displaced from its normal position and the referee has not observed it; there has been a premature substitution of a goaltender; the referee is injured or accidentally leaves the ice and cannot perform their duties; a player has clearly sustained a serious injury and the referee has not seen it.