Vapaapotkun

Vapaapotkun is a term used in ice hockey to describe a free shot awarded to a player. This free shot is given when a player is fouled from behind while on a breakaway with no opposing players between them and the goaltender. The fouled player gets to take a penalty shot against the opposing goaltender. The vapaapotkun is intended to compensate for the loss of a clear scoring opportunity due to the infraction. The player taking the shot can skate from center ice towards the net and attempt to score. The opposing goaltender can attempt to save the shot. If the player scores, it counts as a goal. If they miss or the goaltender makes the save, the game continues as normal. The rules surrounding the awarding and execution of a vapaapotkun are clearly defined in ice hockey rulebooks to ensure fair play.