How High-Sticking the Puck Works in Hockey Explainer
High-sticking the puck is a game-flow violation, distinct from the penalty for striking an opponent with a high stick. A player may not bat the puck with the stick above the normal height of the shoulders. Officials signal the contact and watch which team next gains possession and control.
If the offending player's team next controls the puck, play is stopped. If an opponent gains possession, the referee can wash out the violation and allow play to continue. This delayed approach prevents the non-offending team from losing a useful advantage merely because the puck was touched illegally.
A different height standard applies to a potential goal. An attacking player may not cause the puck to enter the net after contacting it with the stick above the crossbar. Video review can examine the height of that contact, and the decisive point is where puck and stick met.
The resulting faceoff is placed to avoid giving the offending team a territorial benefit. The rule therefore combines safety, fairness, and continuity. Viewers should watch both the height of the stick and who controls the puck afterward rather than expecting an immediate whistle every time.
No. Play may continue until the offending team gains possession and control.
The crossbar, not the player's shoulders.
No. Playing the puck high is generally a stoppage; contact with an opponent is covered separately.
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