Final answer:
A hockey game cannot proceed if a team is unable to place at least four players on the ice, as per the sport's rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rules of hockey stipulate that a team must be able to field a minimum number of players in order to continue a game. If a team is reduced to fewer than four players on the ice due to injuries and penalties, the game cannot proceed according to these rules. This would be an exceptional and rare situation, as teams typically have enough players on their bench to replace those who are injured or penalized. However, if such a circumstance were to occur where only three or fewer players are available, the game would likely be suspended.