You’re watching a hockey game.
The commentator says, “He leads the team in PIM.”
You check the stats and see a big number next to PIM.
And suddenly, you’re confused.
Does PIM mean points?
Is it good or bad?
Why do tough players always have more of it?
If you’ve ever asked what does PIM mean in hockey, you’re not alone. New fans, casual viewers, parents, and even fantasy hockey players often get stuck on this stat.
In this guide, we’ll break it down in plain English.
No jargon. No confusion. Just hockey explained simply.
By the end, you’ll understand:
- What PIM means
- How penalty minutes work
- Why PIM matters (and when it doesn’t)
- How it affects teams, players, and games
Let’s get started.
What Does PIM Mean in Hockey?
PIM stands for Penalty Infraction Minutes.
In simple terms:
👉 PIM is the total number of minutes a player must sit in the penalty box for breaking the rules.
Every time a player commits a penalty, they are sent to the penalty box for a set amount of time. Those minutes are added to their PIM stat.
Basic Definition
- PIM = total penalty time
- Measured in minutes
- Can apply to players or teams
- Used in all levels of hockey
Example
If a player gets:
- One minor penalty (2 minutes)
- One major penalty (5 minutes)
Their total PIM would be:
2 + 5 = 7 PIM
Simple.
Why Penalty Minutes Exist in Hockey
Hockey is fast.
It’s physical.
And without rules, it would be chaos.
Penalty minutes exist to:
- Punish rule-breaking
- Protect players
- Keep the game fair
- Control dangerous behavior
When a player commits a penalty:
- They leave the ice
- Their team plays short-handed
- The opposing team gets a power play
So PIM isn’t just a stat.
It directly affects the game.
Common Types of Penalties That Add to PIM
Not all penalties are the same. Each type adds a different number of minutes.
1. Minor Penalty (2 Minutes)
Most common.
Examples:
- Tripping
- Hooking
- Slashing
- Holding
- Interference
Adds: 2 PIM
2. Double Minor (4 Minutes)
Usually for high-sticking with injury.
Adds: 4 PIM
3. Major Penalty (5 Minutes)
More serious or violent actions.
Examples:
- Fighting
- Boarding
- Checking from behind
Adds: 5 PIM
Player stays in the box even if a goal is scored.
4. Misconduct (10 Minutes)
Used for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Adds: 10 PIM
Player sits, but team usually does not go short-handed.
5. Game Misconduct (10 Minutes + Ejection)
Player is removed from the game.
Adds: 10 PIM
Plus possible fines or suspensions.
6. Match Penalty
Severe intent to injure.
Adds: 5 PIM
Automatic ejection and review.
How PIM Is Calculated
PIM is simple math.
Add up all penalty minutes a player receives.
Example Player Stat Line
- 3 minor penalties → 6 minutes
- 1 major penalty → 5 minutes
- 1 misconduct → 10 minutes
Total PIM = 21
That number stays on their stat sheet.
Is Having High PIM Good or Bad?
This is where things get interesting.
High PIM Can Be Seen As Bad
High PIM may mean:
- Poor discipline
- Costing the team power plays
- Hurting team momentum
Coaches often dislike unnecessary penalties.
High PIM Can Also Be Strategic
Some players are enforcers or physical defenders.
They:
- Protect teammates
- Intimidate opponents
- Change game momentum
These players often have:
- High PIM
- Strong physical presence
- Important locker room roles
So context matters.
PIM by Player Position
Different positions rack up PIM differently.
Defensemen
- Often higher PIM
- More physical play
- Blocking shots and clearing the crease
Forwards
- Moderate PIM
- Depends on role (grinder vs scorer)
Enforcers
- Highest PIM
- Fighting and physical intimidation
Goalies
- Rarely get PIM
- Usually only for misconducts
Team PIM vs Player PIM
PIM can apply to:
- Individual players
- Entire teams
Team PIM
Team PIM shows:
- Overall discipline
- Coaching style
- Aggressiveness
A team with low PIM:
- Plays clean
- Relies on skill
A team with high PIM:
- Plays physical
- Risks penalties for toughness
Neither is automatically right or wrong.
PIM in the NHL
In the NHL, PIM is a standard stat.
You’ll see it:
- On player profiles
- In box scores
- On fantasy hockey apps
Famous High-PIM Players
Some legendary players were known for high PIM:
- Tie Domi
- Bob Probert
- Marty McSorley
They weren’t top scorers.
They were enforcers.
PIM in Youth, College, and Amateur Hockey
PIM exists at all levels, but meaning changes.
Youth Hockey
- Lower tolerance
- Emphasis on safety
- High PIM often discouraged
College Hockey
- Strict rules
- Discipline matters more
Amateur & Beer League
- PIM often comes from frustration
- Less structured officiating
How PIM Affects the Game
Every penalty changes momentum.
Effects of High PIM
- More power plays for opponents
- Tired players
- Broken line rotations
Effects of Low PIM
- Better puck control
- More even strength play
- Coach trust
Smart teams manage PIM carefully.
PIM in Fantasy Hockey
In fantasy leagues, PIM can be:
- A positive stat
- A negative stat
- Or ignored
Leagues That Count PIM
- Tough players gain value
- Enforcers matter
Leagues That Ignore PIM
- Skill players dominate
- Discipline matters less
Always check league rules.
PIM Compared to Other Hockey Stats
| Stat | Meaning | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PIM | Penalty Infraction Minutes | Discipline & physical play |
| G | Goals | Scoring |
| A | Assists | Playmaking |
| +/- | Plus Minus | On-ice impact |
| TOI | Time on Ice | Usage |
PIM tells a story, not the whole picture.
Common Myths About PIM
Myth 1: High PIM Means a Bad Player
False. Some great players had high PIM.
Myth 2: PIM Always Hurts the Team
Not always. Smart physical play can help.
Myth 3: PIM Equals Fighting
Wrong. Many penalties are not fights.
When PIM Becomes a Problem
PIM becomes an issue when:
- Penalties are careless
- Timing is bad
- Player loses control
Bad penalties:
- Late-game penalties
- Retaliation penalties
- Emotional outbursts
Good penalties:
- Stopping a goal
- Defending teammates
- Strategic plays
How Coaches View PIM
Coaches look at:
- Why the penalty happened
- When it happened
- Who committed it
They forgive:
- Tough penalties
- Defensive penalties
They punish:
- Lazy penalties
- Emotional mistakes
FAQs
What does PIM mean in hockey stats?
It means Penalty Infraction Minutes, the total time spent in the penalty box.
Is PIM good in hockey?
It depends on context. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
What is a high PIM total?
Over 100 PIM in a season is considered high in modern hockey.
Do goals erase PIM?
No. PIM stays even if a goal is scored.
Can a team win with high PIM?
Yes, but it’s risky.
Conclusion
Now you fully understand what does PIM mean in hockey and why it matters. PIM tracks penalty time, reflects player discipline, and influences game momentum. High PIM is not always bad, and low PIM is not always good. Context, timing, and role matter most. Whether you’re watching the NHL, coaching youth hockey, or playing fantasy leagues, knowing how PIM works helps you read the game smarter. Hockey is about balance, and PIM is just one part of the story.
