Assist (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

The awarding of an assist point is universal across national rulebooks, though specifics vary. According to the Hockey Canada rulebook, Rule 6.6, each goal and assist counts one point, with a maximum of two assists per goal. The USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook addresses rebound shots: if a player shoots, the puck hits the goaltender and rebounds to a teammate who scores, the original shooter receives one assist, provided the goaltender did not gain complete control of the puck. Only one assist can be given on a rebound. A player cannot be credited with both a goal and an assist for the same goal, nor can one player receive two assists on the same goal. In a give-and-go scenario, the player who made the pass that set up the goal gets the primary assist, and the player who passed to the eventual goal scorer before the give-and-go gets the secondary assist. Possession may pass between the eventual goal scorer and assist getters an unlimited number of times, and this standard still applies.

Reader's Guide

The assist is a fundamental statistic in ice hockey, reflecting the collaborative nature of scoring. Despite the terms 'primary' and 'secondary', neither assist is worth more than the other, and neither is worth more or less than a goal. Assists and goals are combined to calculate a player's total points, which determines the winner of the Art Ross Trophy for the NHL season leader. The rules for awarding assists are consistent across major rulebooks, with specific provisions for rebounds and give-and-go plays. The assist statistic has become a key measure of a player's playmaking ability and overall contribution to offensive production.

Did You Know?

• A maximum of two assists can be credited on any one goal.
• On a rebound, only one assist can be given to the player who took the original shot.
• The leader of total points throughout an NHL season receives the Art Ross Trophy.