What does the term "icing" mean in hockey?

The term "icing" in hockey refers to a specific rule violation that occurs when a player shoots the puck from their own side of the center red line down to the opposing team's end of the ice, with the puck crossing the opponent's goal line without being touched by any player. This is significant because it is designed to prevent teams from simply clearing the puck down the ice to avoid pressure from opponents. When icing is called, the game stops, and a face-off is held in the defending zone of the team that committed the icing violation.

This understanding of icing highlights its importance in maintaining the flow of the game and encouraging teams to engage in more strategic play rather than relying on simply clearing the puck out of their zone. The other options describe aspects that do not pertain to the specific definition and rules surrounding icing.