What is an icing call in ice hockey?

An icing call in ice hockey occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line, and it crosses the opponent's goal line without any player touching it. This rule is designed to prevent teams from simply clearing the puck down the ice to relieve pressure, promoting skillful play and encouraging teams to maintain possession in the offensive zone.

When icing is called, the game is stopped, and a faceoff takes place in the offending team's defensive zone. This creates an opportunity for the opposing team to capitalize on that position, increasing the strategic element of the game.

The other options do not accurately describe an icing violation. The situation involving too many players on the ice refers to a different penalty entirely; tripping is a specific infraction requiring players to be penalized rather than a stoppage for icing; and delaying the game involves actions that prevent the game from continuing rather than a specific puck play like icing.