Hockey is a very popular contact sport. 

While there's no way to avoid physical contact in hockey, organizations like the National Hockey League regulate collisions and penalize players who endanger others. 

Organizations maintain sportsmanship, even during player-to-player impact, with rules against certain forms of physical contact, such as boarding. 

Boarding in hockey is one of the most common forms of physical contact during a game. It places players at risk for injuries, causing anything from broken facial bones to head injuries. 

What is boarding in hockey? Also, what happens to players who commit this violation? 

Read on to learn more about boarding, the rules and how players are penalized on the ice.

Boarding In Hockey 

Boarding is a violation committed by deliberately colliding with a player against the "boards" or the barrier surrounding the hockey rink. 

Boarding in hockey differs from a "check." A player who executes a check in hockey drives into the opponent with the shoulder to steal the puck. 

In boarding, the player initiating the collision displays no intention to keep the puck in play. 

According to section six of USA Hockey's rules on boarding, the official needs to see that the victim did not have possession of the puck to penalize a delinquent player. 

What Is A Hockey Boarding Penalty? 

Once a referee determines that a player committed a boarding violation, the referee can issue a hockey boarding penalty. 

A hockey boarding penalty is a suspension or time where the player cannot participate in the game. 

Hockey boarding penalties come in varying degrees of length, depending on the severity of the violation. The referee's discretion and judgment determine the hockey boarding penalty to issue. 

Minor Penalty: Two-Minute Removal From The Game

If the referee assesses no severe injuries for the boarding violation, the referee can issue a minor penalty. The referee also can implement a two-minute removal of a player who unintentionally collided with another player. 

Major Penalty: Five Minutes Out Of The Game

The referee can issue a penalty for more severe boarding offenses. Any player penalized this way cannot play for five minutes.  

Game Misconduct: Removal From The Game; Team Can Put In A Substitute

A referee can remove a player whose boarding violation caused injuries to the head and face. Once the referee ejects the player from the game, their team can have a substitute play. 

Game Suspension With Fines

A player who committed two game misconducts with boarding cannot play in the next game. The player will also have to pay a fine of at least $100, per the NHL's rules.   

Keep the Aggression At Bay To Stay In Play

Boarding in hockey can endanger the lives of other players. 

Luckily, hockey organizations have strict rules against boarding. 

Also, games have trained referees ready to implement penalties to keep delinquent players from causing injuries on the ice.