Since the sport of ice hockey is played with a stick it’s just natural that stick fouls are going to creep into the game. One of the most common stick infractions these days is cross-checking and while it may seem harmless at times, cross-checking can cause a lot of damage to a player’s back if he’s repeatedly checked there.
I also remember a few good cross-checks to the arms right where there is no padding, those really stung and gave you a “dead arm” feeling.
What is a Cross-Checking in Hockey?
Cross-Checking takes place when a player spreads his hands out on the shaft of his stick and then forcefully makes contact with an opponent with the shaft, usually in the back area of the body.
It is basically a double punching motion with both hands on the hockey stick, and the stick is what makes the contact with the opposing player. Getting a cross check in the ribs, back, or arms really hurts as the hockey stick is solid being made of carbon fiber.
Cross-Checking Rule Explained:
Rule 59 of the NHL rule book covers cross-checking and states that a penalty shall be called if a player uses the shaft of his stick between his two hands to push or forcefully check an opponent. The infraction usually takes place in either goal crease area as well as along the boards, but can happen anywhere on the ice.
How Long is a Cross-Checking Penalty?
A typical cross-checking infraction will result in the aggressor being handed a two-minute minor penalty.
It all comes down to the discretion of the referee though and he will base the length of the penalty call on the severity of the contact. He may also call a five-minute major. If he does so, the attacker will also receive an automatic game misconduct for the infraction.
If the referee believes the perpetrator was deliberately trying to injure his opponent he will dish out a match penalty, which is also accompanied by a five-minute major. With a game misconduct or a match penalty the aggressor will be thrown out of the game and his team will be forced to play shorthanded for five minutes.
How is Cross-Checking Different than Checking from Behind?
Technically speaking, cross-checking doesn’t have to take place from behind as it can also be committed while the aggressor is positioned in front of his opponent or to his side. In fact, some players are even cross-checked while they’re prone on the ice. The act of cross-checking can also be called no matter whereabouts on the opponent’s body the aggressor’s stick lands, including the head. If the aggressor is in a stationary position while hitting an opponent from behind with a stick a cross-checking penalty is typically called.
However if the aggressor is in motion when making contact with the shaft of his stick it should be called checking from behind. Also, a checking from behind penalty is an automatic major while a cross-checking penalty is usually a two-minute minor.
Was Cross-Checking Ever Legal in the NHL?
Cross checking has never been a legal play in the NHL. That being said, it’s not always called, especially if a player uses his stick to push an opponent rather than than forcefully strike him with it.
Can You Get Suspended and/or Fined for Cross-Checking?
All major penalties handed out in the NHL, other than those assessed for fighting, are automatically reviewed at the time by the on-ice officials with the use of video replay. This allows the officials to either confirm the original penalty or to modify it by reducing the call to a double-minor or minor penalty or to nullify the penalty altogether.
A player who receives a game misconduct for cross-checking may be suspended or hit with a monetary fine if it’s considered to be a severe infraction and is investigated by the league. A team may request that the league reviews a game misconduct to have it rescinded but must do so in writing within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game in which the incident took place. If the team doesn’t make a request to have the penalty rescinded the game misconduct will be upheld with no further review taking place.
In addition, rule 28.1 deals with Supplementary Discipline and states that the league may investigate any incident and hand out additional suspensions and/or fines for any offence committed during a game even if it didn’t result in a penalty. If the opposing team requests an investigation or the league launches one on its own it must initiated within 24 of the completion of the contest in which the incident took place.
Watch Some Dangerous Hockey Cross-Checks in this Video:
What is the Referee Cross-Checking Signal?
The referee’s signal for a cross-checking penalty is covered under NHL rule 29.6 and is described as such: The referee will clinch both of his fists and extend his arms about a foot away from his body at chest height in a forward and backward motion.
Are Cross-Checking Penalties Common in the NHL?
Unfortunately, cross-checking is a very common infraction in the NHL and although it results in numerous penalties, the infraction is also ignored too often by the officials.
Why Cross-Checking is an Important Penalty in Hockey
Like all other penalties, the call for cross-checking is used to help protect the players. Being forcefully and sometimes repeatedly hit in the back with a hockey stick can cause a lot of damage, especially over time. Hall of Fame winger Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders was one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen with 573 goals in 752 regular-season games and another 85 in 129 playoff contests. However he was forced to retire at the age of 30 due to back injuries which certainly weren’t helped by being cross-checked while stationed in front of the net and battling for position during his career.
The NHL said it was attempting to crack down on cross-checking in 2021 and released the following statement. “Cross-checking, like many penalties, is a judgment made by an official and is not black and white. No two plays are exactly the same and many factors, including placement of the stick, elimination through force, and player embellishment are considered when judging cross-checking. Officials may allow players to use the shaft of the stick to guide or push an opponent without assessing a penalty, however if the guiding or pushing is judged to be excessive, a penalty may be assessed.”
You should read our related stick infraction posts here:
- NHL High Stick Rule
- What Is the NHL Broken Stick Rule?
- 33 Types of Penalties in Hockey (Each Explained)
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.
