(a) A goalkeeper may be changed for another goalkeeper or skater (who shall not have goalkeeper privileges) at any time during play provided the goalkeeper is at the bench and out of play prior to the substitute entering the ice. If the substitution is made prematurely, there shall be no time penalty assessed. However, the resulting face-off will take place at the center face-off spot unless play was stopped with the play in the offending team’s defending half of the ice, in which case the face-off will take place where play was stopped, unless otherwise specified in the rules.
When a goalkeeper leaves the goal area and proceeds to the players’ bench for the purpose of substitution during play, the rear Linesman shall be responsible to see that the substitution made is legal. If the substitution is made prematurely, the Linesman shall stop the play immediately unless the non-offending team has possession of the puck, in which event the stoppage will be delayed until a change in possession take place.
(b) A goalkeeper may be substituted for by another goalkeeper or skater (who shall not have goalkeeper privileges) during a stoppage provided the change occurs within the line change procedure outlined in Rule 204(a). If the substitution is made for another skater, the original goalkeeper may return, by way of a legal line change, once play has resumed.
When the substitute goalkeeper enters the game during a stoppage they will take their position without delay and no warm-up shall be permitted, except when either team uses its time-out under Rule 636(f). The original goalkeeper may not return to play until the next stoppage of play. For
a violation, the offending team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty for illegal substitution.
(c) During a stoppage of play a goalkeeper may not go to the players’ bench without the permission of the Referee (except during time-outs) unless they are substituted for by another skater or goalkeeper. For a violation of this rule a bench minor penalty for illegal substitution shall be assessed.
When a substitution for the goalkeeper has been made under paragraph (c) of this rule, the goalkeeper shall not resume their position until the next stoppage of play, except that they shall be permitted immediate re-entry into the game when any penalty is imposed.
