Goalie interference is a grey area in the game of hockey. That applies to international competitions as well.
The United States had not just one, but two goals disallowed for goaltender interference during its 6-2 semifinal loss to Canada on Wednesday night.
USA head coach Rand Pecknold expressed his frustration with the disallowed goals after the game but did not go into details on either call.
"I would say I’m pretty frustrated, but I’m not going to comment on it," Pecknold said. "I'm not going to comment on officiating, other than you’ve got 18-, 19-year-old kids in this environment. To have two taken away, that’s a huge part of the game for sure. But I'm not going to comment on the officials. The head officials can deal with that."
Twice, the USA scored but had the goals called back after a coaches' challenge from Canada.
The first goal came in the second period, when Jackson Blake got a loose puck in the crease, spun, and tucked it around Canada goalie Thomas Milic. It would have tied the game at 3-3.
No Goal… pic.twitter.com/i51H51vuQy
— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) January 5, 2023
Blake was standing in the crease when he had the puck and appeared to make contact with Milic. Dennis Williams challenged the play and after the officials went to review, they determined there was goaltender interference and the goal was called back.
Then, moments into the third period, it appeared as though Rutger McGroarty had cut into Canada's 4-2 lead. With the puck in the crease, the American forward jammed at Milic's pads, knocking the puck just enough over the goal line.
Rutger McGroarty scores for Team USA but Canada is once again challenging for goaltender interference.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/czObvQvqXB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2023
However, once again Williams challenged the play and after review, the goal was disallowed for goalie interference. On the replay, you can see McGroarty pushed Milic's pads, which caused the puck to become free.
MORE: 2023 World Juniors schedule, standings, results
It caused quite a divide on the internet, with some disagreeing with both calls, objecting to one, but not the other, or agreeing with the officials on both plays.
Here is what the IIHF rulebook says about goaltender interference.
IIHF goaltender interference rule
In certain aspects, the rules in the IIHF are a lot tighter than those in the NHL. This has been the norm for quite some time now.
Goalie interference is one of those rules that is stricter in international hockey. The IIHF rulebook puts an emphasis on players not making contact with goaltenders or being in the crease.
The rules that were applied by the officials to the two disallowed goals fall under Rule 69.3, "Contact Inside the Goal Crease", in the IIHF rulebook.
This is what Rule 69.3 states:
If an attacking Player initiates 'a relevant contact' with a Goalkeeper, incidental or otherwise, while the Goalkeeper is in their Goal Crease, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
If an attacking Player establishes a 'significant position' within the Goal Crease, so as to obstruct the Goalkeeper’s vision and impair their ability to defend their goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed. For this purpose, a Player 'establishes a significant position within the crease' when, in the Referee’s judgment, their body, or a substantial portion thereof, is within the Goal Crease for more than an instantaneous period of time.
