High-sticking
Three infractions involving a stick above the shoulders or crossbar.
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High-sticking refers to three distinct infractions in the sport of ice hockey: a non-penalty foul, a penalty, and a condition that can disallow a goal. It is notable for involving the stick above a certain height—either the shoulders of the player or the crossbar of the goal—and for having different consequences depending on the context.
- Non-penalty foul rule
- Rule 80 of the National Hockey League
- Penalty rule
- Rule 60 of the National Hockey League
- Penalty type
- Minor penalty (double-minor if injury occurs; match penalty if deliberate attempt to injure)
- Goal disallowed
- If puck enters opposing net after contact with a high stick
- Own goal allowed
- If player knocks puck into own net with a high stick
Lore & Background
High-sticking as a non-penalty foul occurs when a player intentionally or inadvertently plays the puck with their stick above the height of the shoulders or the crossbar of a hockey goal. This results in a stoppage of play if the offending team regains control of the puck, with a face-off in a disadvantageous position; if the opposing team touches the puck next, play continues. In this context, the stick is considered high if it is above its holder's shoulders.
As a penalty, high-sticking is defined when a player hits an opponent's head, face, or neck with their stick in an action judged not to be the result of normal play. Exceptions include contact committed as a normal windup or follow-through of a shooting motion, or accidental contact on the opposing center who is bent over during a face-off. The stick is considered high if it is above the shoulders of the player it strikes.
When scoring a goal, if the puck goes into the opposing net after coming into contact with a high stick, the goal is disallowed. However, if a player knocks the puck into their own net with a high stick, the goal is allowed. In this context, the stick is high if the point of contact with the puck is higher than the crossbar of the goal.
Reader's Guide
High-sticking's significance lies in its three distinct applications, each affecting the flow and outcome of a game differently. As a non-penalty foul, it governs puck play above shoulder height, stopping play only when the offending team retains control, thereby discouraging dangerous stick handling while allowing the opposing team to benefit from a turnover. As a penalty, it protects players from potentially serious injury to the head, face, or neck, with escalating consequences: a minor penalty for standard infractions, a double-minor if the struck player is injured (including drawing blood), and a match penalty for deliberate attempts to injure. The goal-scoring rule clarifies that a high-stick contact on the puck disallows a goal for the attacking team but allows an own goal, reflecting the principle that a team should not benefit from its own illegal action. Referees can review a high-sticking double-minor penalty to confirm the call. These rules collectively balance player safety, fair play, and the integrity of scoring.
Did You Know?
- High-sticking is covered by three different rules: Rule 80 (non-penalty foul), Rule 60 (penalty), and a goal-scoring rule.
- A high-sticking penalty can be a double-minor if the player hit is injured, including drawing blood.
- If a player deliberately attempts to injure an opponent by high-sticking, they can be assessed a match penalty and ejected.
- A goal scored by knocking the puck into one's own net with a high stick is allowed.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "high-sticking" actually mean in hockey?
It is an umbrella term for three separate infractions that occur when a player's stick crosses above shoulder height or above the goal crossbar. The specific consequence—a minor penalty, a non-penalty foul, or a disallowed goal—depends on which rule is triggered in the given situation.
What penalty does a player receive for high-sticking?
A standard high-stick call results in a two-minute minor penalty under NHL Rule 60. If the contact causes an injury the call escalates to a double-minor, and a deliberate attempt to injure draws a match penalty.
How is a high-stick non-penalty foul different from a high-stick penalty?
The non-penalty foul (governed by Rule 80) is tied to the stick crossing above the crossbar and results in a stoppage of play with the puck placed at the nearest faceoff circle, rather than a time penalty. The penalty call (Rule 60) is triggered when the stick contacts an opponent above the shoulders.
Does a high stick automatically kill a goal?
Yes—if the puck strikes a player's stick above the crossbar and then enters the opposing net, the goal is disallowed. However, if a player accidentally knocks the puck into their own net with a high stick, that own goal still counts.
Why do fans argue so much about high-stick calls?
The line between a legal stick position and an infraction can be razor-thin, especially when the stick is merely above the shoulders without making contact. Because the same term covers a penalty, a non-penalty foul, and a goal-kill, a single call can swing the momentum of a game in very different ways.
More in Ice Hockey Terminology, Part 2 1-24
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