What is PIM in Hockey: Types, Length, and History

In hockey, physical play is often rewarded, but it can also result in penalties that can change the momentum of a game – this is where penalty minutes, or PIM, come into play.

Penalties in hockey are consequences given to players who commit an infraction during a game. These infractions can include actions such as tripping, slashing, high-sticking, and fighting, among others. Penalties are an important part of hockey as they help to regulate the game and ensure that players adhere to the rules.

Understanding penalties is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike as it allows them to understand the flow of the game and the consequences of certain actions. In this article, we will explore the different types of penalties in hockey, their length in minutes, the history of penalties, and the top players with the most penalties in NHL history.

What is PIM in Hockey?

PIM stands for Penalty Infraction Minutes, which is a record of the total number of minutes a player has spent in the penalty box for committing an infraction during a game. PIM is calculated by adding up the length of time for each penalty that a player receives during a game or season. For example, if a player receives a two-minute minor penalty and a five-minute major penalty during a game, their PIM for that game would be seven minutes.

PIM is an important statistic in hockey as it can reflect a player’s discipline on the ice. Players who consistently receive penalties for infractions may be seen as a liability to their team, as they are often taken off the ice during penalty kills and can negatively impact their team’s chances of winning.

On the other hand, players who maintain a low PIM and avoid penalties can be seen as more valuable to their team, as they are able to play a larger portion of the game and contribute to their team’s success. Therefore, PIM is often used as a way to evaluate a player’s performance and value to their team.

So, what causes a power play in hockey? When a player receives a penalty and is sent to the penalty box, it creates a power play opportunity for the opposing team. The power play focuses on the advantage gained by a team when they have more players on the ice due to an opponent’s penalty.

Types of Penalties and Length in Minutes (PIM)

Ice hockey is a fast-paced and physical sport, with players often engaging in aggressive behavior on the ice. To regulate this behavior, penalties are enforced for any infractions committed during a game. There are various types of penalties in hockey, each with different lengths and consequences. In this article, we will explore the different types of penalties, and their length in minutes, and provide examples of each type. The following table summarizes the different types of penalties in hockey:

Penalty Type	Length in Minutes	Examples
Minor	2	Tripping, Hooking, Holding
Double Minor	4	High-sticking, Spearing
Major	5	Fighting, Boarding
Misconduct/Match	10/Match	Verbal abuse, Deliberate injury
Penalty Shot	N/A	Trip on a clear breakaway

It is important to understand the different types of penalties in hockey to appreciate the importance of discipline and sportsmanship in the sport.

Penalized versus Non-Penalized Infractions

Penalized infractions are actions that result in penalties being enforced by the officials. These infractions include actions such as tripping, hooking, high-sticking, and fighting, among others. These infractions are deemed as violations of the rules of the game, and the player who commits them is required to serve time in the penalty box.

Non-penalized infractions, on the other hand, are actions that do not result in penalties being enforced by the officials. These infractions can include actions such as holding, interference, and offsides. While these actions may be considered violations of the rules, they do not result in a penalty being assessed.

Distinguishing between penalized and non-penalized infractions is important in hockey as it helps players, coaches, and fans understand the flow of the game and the consequences of certain actions. Penalized infractions can significantly impact the game by giving the opposing team an advantage, while non-penalized infractions may not have a direct impact on the game. Understanding the difference between these types of infractions can also help players avoid committing penalties and maintain good sportsmanship on the ice.

History of PIM

The concept of Penalty Infraction Minutes (PIM) has been a part of hockey since the early 20th century. In the early days of the sport, penalties were enforced in a less organized manner, with officials often simply sending players to the penalty box for a short period of time.

In 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL) was established, and a more formal system of penalties was introduced. The first recorded instance of PIM being tracked in the NHL was in the 1926-27 season when the league began keeping track of penalty minutes for each player.

Over the years, the NHL has made various changes to the rules and enforcement of penalties. In the 1950s and 1960s, fighting was a common occurrence in hockey, and penalties for fighting were not enforced as strictly as they are today. However, in the 1970s, the NHL began cracking down on fighting and introduced new rules to discourage this behavior.

In recent years, the NHL has continued to evolve its system of penalties, with a focus on player safety and reducing dangerous plays on the ice. The league has introduced new rules and penalties for actions such as headshots and hits from behind, and has increased the severity of penalties for certain types of infractions.

PIM remains an important statistic in hockey, used to evaluate player performance and value to their team. While the rules and enforcement of penalties may continue to evolve, the concept of penalizing players for infractions will remain a fundamental part of the sport.

Top 10 PIM Leaders (Career NHL)

Penalty Infraction Minutes (PIM) is an important statistic in hockey, and some players have become known for their aggressive play and high number of penalties. Here are the top 10 PIM leaders in NHL history:

1. Tiger Williams – 3,971 PIM: Williams played for several teams over his career, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. He was known for his physical play and willingness to fight on the ice.
2. Dale Hunter – 3,565 PIM: Hunter played for the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals, and Colorado Avalanche over his career. He was known as a tough player and a skilled scorer.
3. Tie Domi – 3,515 PIM: Domi played for several teams over his career, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets. He was known for his physical play and willingness to stand up for his teammates.
4. Marty McSorley – 3,381 PIM: McSorley played for several teams over his career, including the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. He was known as an enforcer and was often involved in fights on the ice.
5. Bob Probert – 3,300 PIM: Probert played for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks over his career. He was known as one of the toughest enforcers in the game and was often involved in fights on the ice.
6. Craig Berube – 3,149 PIM: Berube played for several teams over his career, including the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals. He was known for his physical play and willingness to stand up for his teammates.
7. Tim Hunter – 3,146 PIM: Hunter played for several teams over his career, including the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks. He was known for his aggressive style of play and willingness to fight on the ice.
8. Chris Nilan – 3,043 PIM: Nilan played for the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins over his career. He was known as a tough enforcer and was often involved in fights on the ice.
9. Dave Schultz – 2,924 PIM: Schultz played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings over his career. He was known as a tough enforcer and was often involved in fights on the ice.
10. Rob Ray – 2,895 PIM: Ray played for the Buffalo Sabres over his career. He was known as an enforcer and was often involved in fights on the ice.

These players are remembered for their physical play and willingness to stand up for their teammates on the ice. While PIM may not be the most glamorous statistic in hockey, it is an important part of the game and a reflection of a player’s toughness and willingness to compete.

Who Serves a Goalie’s PIM?

When a goalie receives a penalty, the team is required to designate a player to serve the penalty in their place. This player, known as the designated server, will serve the penalty in the penalty box for the specified amount of time.

The designated server is typically a player who is already on the ice at the time the penalty is assessed. However, if there are no players on the ice who are eligible to serve the penalty (for example, if all players on the team are already serving penalties), the team may select a player from the bench to serve the penalty.

Goalie penalties are relatively rare in hockey, as goalies are not allowed to leave their crease and engage in physical play outside of it. However, goalie penalties can occur in situations such as when a goalie intentionally knocks the net off its moorings to stop play or when a goalie engages in a physical altercation with an opposing player.

Understanding goalie penalties is important for players, coaches, and fans as it can impact the game’s outcome. The absence of a goalie, even for a short period of time, can significantly impact a team’s ability to defend their net and can result in the opposing team scoring. Therefore, having a designated server who can effectively serve the penalty and protect their team’s net is crucial for a team’s success.

Pros and Сons of PIM

Penalty Infraction Minutes (PIM) is an important statistic in hockey, used to evaluate a player’s discipline and toughness on the ice. Let`s discover the pros and cons of high PIM in hockey and discuss whether they are ultimately good or bad for a player’s performance and their team’s success.

1. The Pros of High PIM:

• Intimidation factor: Players with high PIM can intimidate opponents and force them to alter their game.
• Enforcer role: Players with high PIM can serve as an enforcer, protecting their teammates and deterring opponents from taking liberties.
• Energy boost: High PIM players can provide an energy boost to their team, rallying them with their physical play and willingness to fight.
• Emotion regulation: Players with high PIM can help regulate their team’s emotions by standing up for their teammates and responding to physical play.

2. The Cons of High PIM:

• Penalty kills: High PIM players are often taken off the ice during penalty kills, leaving their team shorthanded and at a disadvantage.
• Discipline issues: High PIM players may struggle with discipline and may be more prone to committing infractions that result in penalties.
• Injury risk: High PIM players are at a greater risk for injury due to the physical nature of their play.
• Reduced ice time: High PIM players may see reduced ice time due to penalties and their coach’s preference for more disciplined players.

3. Balancing High PIM:

• Value of discipline: While high PIM can be beneficial in certain situations, the value of discipline cannot be overlooked in hockey.
• Team success: Ultimately, a player’s value to their team should be based on their contribution to the team’s success, whether that be through scoring goals, providing energy, or playing strong defense.
• Role on the team: High PIM players can be valuable in certain roles, such as enforcer or energy player, but they should also be able to adapt their play style to fit the needs of their team.

While high PIM can be both beneficial and detrimental to a player’s performance and their team’s success, it is ultimately up to the individual player and their coach to determine the appropriate balance. By understanding the pros and cons of high PIM and the value of discipline, players can make informed decisions about their play style and contribute to their team’s success on the ice.

Conclusion

Penalties are an important aspect of hockey as they help regulate the game and ensure that players follow the rules. Understanding the different types of penalties and their consequences is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike, as it allows them to appreciate the flow of the game.

PIM is an important statistic in hockey, reflecting a player’s discipline and value to their team. While high PIM can be both beneficial and detrimental to a player’s performance and their team’s success, the appropriate balance ultimately depends on the player’s role and the needs of their team.

FAQ

How is PIM Сalculated in Hockey?

PIM (Penalties in Minutes) in hockey is calculated by adding up the total time that each player spends in the penalty box as a result of committing penalties during a game. When a player receives a penalty, they are typically required to serve a specific amount of time in the box, ranging from two minutes for minor penalties to five minutes for major penalties. The accumulated time spent in the penalty box for each player determines their PIM for that particular game.

Who Has the Most NHL PIM?

The player with the most PIM (Penalties in Minutes) in NHL history is Dave “Tiger” Williams. He accumulated a total of 3,966 PIM over the course of his career. Williams, known for his aggressive style of play, played for several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. However, please note that this information may have changed since my last update, so it’s always best to refer to the latest data for the most accurate and up-to-date records.

Are Pims Good at Hockey?

In general, high PIM (Penalties in Minutes) in hockey are not considered a positive attribute. PIM indicates the number of penalties a player has accumulated, which means they have spent significant time in the penalty box. High PIM can suggest a lack of discipline and potentially disrupt the team’s flow by leaving them shorthanded. While physical play is a part of the game, players are typically encouraged to minimize penalties and maintain good sportsmanship.

What is PIMS in NHL?

Who is the NHL Single-Season Leader in PIMs?

The NHL single-season leader in PIMs (Penalties in Minutes) is Dave Schultz. He set the record during the 1974-1975 season while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, accumulating a total of 472 PIMs. Schultz was known for his physical and aggressive style of play, making him one of the most penalized players in NHL history. However, please note that this information may have changed since my last update, so it’s always best to refer to the latest data for the most accurate and up-to-date records.

What does PPP Mean in Hockey?

PPP in hockey stands for “Power Play Points.” It is a statistical category that tracks the total number of points a player accumulates while their team is on a power play, meaning the opposing team has a player or players in the penalty box. Power Play Points are earned when a player either scores a goal or assists in a goal during a power play opportunity. It is a measure of a player’s offensive production specifically during power play situations.

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