One sentence to the bench, then skate

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Craft note: practice advice, not a rule.

Coaches want to know what you saw, not why you are right. Give them one calm sentence that names the foul and the number ("Number 14, hooking, the stick pulled him down on the rush") and then move to your position.

Do not argue the rule at the bench door, do not repeat yourself, and do not answer a question that is really a complaint. If the coach crosses the line set out in your rulebook, you already know the penalty; the calmer you were before, the easier it is to call.

A short, steady voice is a skill. Practise the sentence in your head while you skate to the box.