Can You Touch the Puck in Hockey?

Hockey players cannot catch or throw the puck during a game. If a player catches the puck with a closed hand, it results in a minor penalty. Players can hit pucks out of the air with an open hand and must be the first to play the puck, except for one case. If a player closes their hand on the puck in the goal crease, the opposing team gets a penalty shot.
As long as a player’s hand does not close around the puck, they can direct it with an open palm or "slap" it, unless it is to score. Hand passes are permitted in the defensive zone. Players can bat pucks out of the air with an open hand and must be the first to play that puck.
Goalies cannot play the puck outside their crease except during a delayed penalty. Players battle for the puck without touching each other with sticks or body. No player can enter the crease unless the puck crossed the line. Teams substitute players on the fly. Players cannot touch the puck above their shoulders with sticks. Handling the puck is not allowed in neutral/offensive zones since it gives the offending team an unfair scoring chance. Handling the puck is permitted in the defensive zone as it does not necessarily lead to a scoring opportunity.