1. The Controversial High Stick
High sticking in hockey is one of the most debated penalty calls in the game. The term refers to a player raising his stick above shoulder height while the game is still underway. It sounds simple enough, but rules regarding high sticking in hockey differ from major to minor league, depending on which team has possession of the puck and whether a stoppage of play has been called. Learn about the rules for high sticking in hockey so you can stay safe and play legally.
2. When High Sticking Is Allowed
In some cases, a player lifting her stick above her shoulders is deemed legal high sticking and no penalty is called. If the player knocks the puck out of the air with her stick and it goes into her own net, it's ruled as a legal goal for the other team. If a player high-sticks the puck out of the air and an opposing player takes control of it, the move is considered legal and play continues. If a player's high sticking gives an advantage to the opposing team and does not unfairly give her own team an advantage, the play is usually considered legal and the player isn't penalized.
3. The Trickiest Penalty
A high sticking penalty is called anytime a player raises his stick above shoulder level to bat the puck down. If there is no physical contact with another player, play is stopped and resumes with a face-off in the spot where the infraction happened. If a player makes physical contact with another player using his stick, a minor high sticking penalty is assessed. If the opponent gets injured as a result, the high-sticking player is assessed a major penalty and could be removed from the game.
4. Majors and Minors
The differences between rules for major league high sticking and high sticking in the minor leagues make the rule even more confusing. A pro hockey player that commits a high sticking penalty causes a stoppage in play; the face off takes place at that player's end of the ice next to his goalie. Minor league rules simply require the next face off to take place outside the blue line of the high-sticking player's team. The discrepancy of this rule causes confusion among lots of fans and players.
5. High Sticking Goals
High sticking and scoring is another tricky situation. If a player has part of her stick above her shoulders but the puck hits a portion of his stick below shoulder level and is deflected into the net, the goal is allowed. But if a player high sticks the puck in the air and the puck goes into the net, the goal will be ruled illegal because the goal was intentionally scored with a high sticking motion.
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