Hockey high-sticking penalties

DEFINITION: Hockey high-sticking penalties occur when a player strikes an opponent with their stick above shoulder height.

FAQs:

1. What is considered high-sticking in hockey?
High-sticking in hockey refers to the act of a player striking an opponent with their stick above shoulder level. It is a penalty and can result in a player being sent to the penalty box.

2. What are the consequences of a high-sticking penalty?
The consequences of a high-sticking penalty usually include a 2-minute minor penalty, meaning the offending player’s team will be shorthanded for that amount of time. If the high-stick causes injury, a double minor or major penalty can be assessed.

3. Are accidental high-sticks still penalized?
Accidental high-sticks can still result in penalties, especially if they cause injury to an opponent. However, if the high-stick is determined to be unintentional and no injury occurs, referees may use their discretion and not penalize the player.

4. Can a high-sticking penalty result in a player’s ejection from the game?
Typically, a high-sticking penalty alone does not result in a player being ejected from the game. However, if the high-stick causes severe injury or is deemed intentionally malicious, the player may receive a game misconduct penalty, leading to ejection.

5. Can high-sticking penalties be reviewed by instant replay?
In some professional hockey leagues, high-sticking penalties can be reviewed by instant replay if there is a need for clarification or if there is a potential error in the initial call. However, this may vary depending on the league and its specific rules.