Slashing, Hooking, and High-Sticking Explained

This applies to all skill levels and all game formats we play.

Why Stick Infractions Matter

Hockey is fast and physical, but sticks can quickly become dangerous when used incorrectly. These rules exist to:

• Prevent injuries
• Keep play fair
• Encourage good defensive habits

Good stick work is about positioning and control, not force.

Slashing

What Is Slashing?

Slashing is called when a player:

• Swings their stick at an opponent
• Chops down on an opponent’s stick, hands, or body
• Uses excessive force while trying to disrupt a play

It doesn’t need to be a full baseball-style swing — forceful or repeated chops are enough.

Common Slashing Situations

• Hacking at a player’s hands while they carry the puck
• Repeatedly chopping at a stick instead of lifting it
• Swinging wildly after losing a puck battle

Even if you hit the stick first, it can still be slashing if the motion is unsafe.

How to Avoid Slashing

• Lift sticks instead of chopping down
• Use body positioning to angle players away
• One controlled poke is fine — repeated hacks are not

Hooking

What Is Hooking?

Hooking is called when a player:

• Uses their stick to hook, wrap, or pull an opponent
• Restricts another player’s movement with their stick

If the stick becomes a tool to slow someone down, it’s probably hooking.

Common Hooking Situations

• Wrapping the stick around a player’s waist or hips
• Pulling back on a stick during a chase
• Using the stick like a lever to stop a player from skating

Even light hooks can be called if they affect a player’s ability to move.

How to Avoid Hooking

• Keep your stick on the ice, not around bodies
• Skate to stay with your opponent instead of reaching
• Use your stick to guide, not grab

High-Sticking

What Is High-Sticking?

High-sticking occurs when a player:

• Carries or swings their stick above shoulder height
• Makes contact with another player using a raised stick

A stick above the shoulders is considered dangerous, especially in traffic.

Important Notes About High-Sticking

• Accidental high-sticks still count
• If a stick contacts the face or head, play may stop immediately
• Blood or injury can increase the severity at higher levels

Even during follow-throughs or battles, players are responsible for controlling their stick.

How to Avoid High-Sticking

• Keep your stick down in traffic
• Be aware of follow-throughs when shooting or passing
• Control your stick when lifting or battling

A Few Things to Remember

• Intent doesn’t always matter — impact and safety do
• Losing control of your stick can still result in a penalty
• Stick penalties are often preventable with good positioning

If you’re unsure whether a play crossed the line, err on the side of safety.

Final Thought

Good hockey isn’t about how hard you swing your stick — it’s about timing, positioning, and control.

Play hard. Play smart. Keep your stick safe.