What is high-sticking in ice hockey?
I · Intermediate · Fouls · 8 of 13A stick that hits an opponent above the shoulders is high-sticking: a minor, or a double-minor if it injures. From 2026/27 the opponent's shoulders must be at waist height or higher for the call. Slashing is swinging the stick at an opponent; cross-checking uses the shaft. Spearing and butt-ending are double-minors if attempted and majors with game misconducts if they land.
How it works
- High-sticking: stick contact above the shoulders; the opponent's shoulders at waist level or higher.
- Accidental contact: allowed on a normal shooting wind-up or follow-through, or on a centre bent over at a face-off.
- Injury: a double-minor, whether or not blood is drawn; the referee may review video at some events.
- Slashing: a swing at an opponent; hard chops on the body, stick or hands are penalised.
- Cross-checking: a forceful check with the shaft between both hands.
- Hooking: using the stick to restrain an opponent, especially at the hands.
- Spearing: stabbing with the blade; butt-ending, jabbing with the shaft end.
- Spearing and butt-ending: double-minor if attempted, major and game misconduct if contact is made.
- Others: a minor, a major or a major and game misconduct, by the danger involved.
The glossary has the high-sticking, the slashing, the spearing, the butt-ending, the cross-checking and the hooking.
Tricky cases
A shooter's follow-through clips an opponent's face. Penalty?
Not if it was a normal shooting follow-through.
A wild swing at a bouncing puck catches a player's helmet. Penalty?
Yes. A wild swing is not a normal shooting motion.
A player bends low and is struck on the helmet by a stick at hip height. High-sticking?
Not under the 2026/27 wording, which requires the opponent's shoulders to be at waist height or higher.
A tap on the shin pads to get the puck. Slashing?
No. Non-aggressive contact on the pants or front of the shin pads is not slashing.
Why the rule exists
The stick is a tool for the puck, not a weapon. Graded penalties reflect how much harm each misuse can do.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| High-sticking | Shoulder height clarified (2026/27) | IIHF 60.1 |
| Injury from a high stick | Double-minor | IIHF 60.3 |
| Spearing and butt-ending | Double-minor or major | IIHF 58, 62 |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 55 and 58 to 62. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.