Cross-checking
An infraction using the stick shaft to check an opponent.
Cross-checking is a penalty in ice hockey, ringette, and lacrosse, defined as a player using the shaft of their stick with both hands to check an opponent. This entry focuses primarily on ice hockey. Although body checking is permitted in boys’ and men’s ice hockey, using the stick in this manner raises the likelihood of injury.
In the National Hockey League, cross-checking is covered under Rule 59; the International Ice Hockey Federation addresses it in Rule 127. The standard penalty is a two-minute minor served by the offending player. However, a referee may call a major penalty—which carries an automatic game misconduct—or a match penalty if the action appears intended to injure. If a cross-check causes an injury, the league may also consider additional discipline. In women’s ice hockey, body checking is allowed in the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the Swedish Women’s Hockey League, but most other leagues prohibit it, and all leagues ban cross-checking.
International and league rules share the same basic framework for cross-checking penalties, though international events like the Winter Olympics and World Championships tend to enforce stricter penalties than the NHL, KHL, or minor leagues. The severity of the penalty generally depends on the referee’s judgment of the check’s force and intent. The on-ice referee decides whether an infraction qualifies as a cross-check or another penalty. For example, during the 2014 Sochi Olympics women’s gold medal game between Canada and the USA, Hilary Knight of the USA was called for cross-checking Canada’s Hayley Wickenheiser. The call drew protests from both benches: Canada argued it was tripping and warranted a penalty shot, while the USA contended it was not a cross-check. The referee’s discretion ultimately determines the call.
The IIHF defines a cross-check in Rule 127 as “check to the body of an opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.” A minor penalty is the minimum, while a major (with automatic game misconduct) or match penalty is given if the player injures or recklessly endangers an opponent.
The NHL defines a cross-check in Rule 59 as “the action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent.” The referee decides the severity and penalty, which can be a minor, a major with automatic game misconduct, or a match penalty.
- Nhl rule
- Rule 59
- Iihf rule
- Rule 127
- Pwhl rule
- Rule 60
- Common penalty
- Two-minute minor
- Major penalty consequence
- Automatic game misconduct and $100 fine (NHL)
- Example suspension
- Connor McDavid and Tyler Myers each suspended 3 games (January 2025)
Lore & Background
Cross-checking is defined by the National Hockey League (NHL) in Rule 59 as 'the action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent.' The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) defines it in Rule 127 as a 'check to the body of an opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.' The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) defines it in Rule 60 similarly to the NHL. The severity of the penalty depends on the referee's judgment as to the severity and intent of the cross-check. A referee may impose a minor penalty, a major penalty with an automatic game misconduct, or a match penalty. A match penalty is assessed if the referee feels the offender aimed to deliberately hurt or injure the opponent. In women's ice hockey, body checking is allowed in the PWHL and the Swedish Women's Hockey League, but other leagues do not allow it; all leagues ban cross-checking.
Reader's Guide
Cross-checking is notable for the discretion it grants referees, who must decide whether an action constitutes a cross-check and what penalty level is appropriate. This discretion can lead to controversy, as seen at the 2014 Sochi Olympics Women's Gold Medal Game between Canada and the United States, where a cross-checking call on Hilary Knight caused uproar from both benches—the Canadian bench thought it was tripping and should have been a penalty shot, while the U.S. bench felt it was not a cross-check. The NHL, IIHF, and PWHL all allow for additional fines or suspensions beyond the on-ice penalty. For example, after a game between the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers on 18 January 2025, Connor McDavid and Tyler Myers each received a match penalty for cross-checks and were later suspended three games by the NHL, with each receiving a higher penalty due to their history of suspensions and fines. The IIHF states that at least a minor penalty will be assessed, and a major or match penalty will be assessed if the player injures or recklessly endangers the opponent. The NHL Commissioner may also place more fines or suspensions on a player if deemed appropriate.
Did You Know?
- Cross-checking is also an infraction in ringette and lacrosse.
- The NHL defines cross-checking in Rule 59; the IIHF defines it in Rule 127.
- A major penalty for cross-checking in the NHL carries an automatic $100 fine.
- At the 2014 Sochi Olympics Women's Gold Medal Game, a cross-checking call on Hilary Knight caused disagreement from both benches.
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