Slashing penalty hockey

What is slashing in hockey?

Slashing, in the context of ice hockey, is a penalty assessed when a player swings their stick at an opponent in a manner that the referee deems careless or dangerous. It doesn't necessarily require contact to be made to warrant a penalty. The intent to injure or intimidate, or reckless endangerment of the opponent, are key factors considered by the officials.

Unlike a hooking penalty, which involves using the stick to impede an opponent's progress, slashing specifically focuses on the swinging motion of the stick. This distinction is important for understanding the nuances of hockey officiating.

The nhl rulebook definition

The official NHL rulebook provides a precise definition of slashing. While the specific wording may evolve slightly from year to year, the core principle remains consistent. It typically describes slashing as the act of swinging a stick at an opponent, whether contact is made or not, with the intention of causing injury or with reckless disregard for the opponent's safety.

The severity of the penalty (minor, major, or match penalty) depends on factors like the force of the blow, the location of the impact (e.g., head, unprotected areas), and the apparent intent of the player committing the infraction. A minor penalty is usually two minutes, a major is five minutes (with possible game misconduct), and a match penalty results in immediate ejection from the game and potential supplemental discipline from the league.

Examples of slashing penalties

Several scenarios can result in a slashing penalty:

• Swinging the stick and hitting an opponent's hands, especially when they are holding their stick. This is a common occurrence near the boards or during battles for the puck.
• Chopping down on an opponent's stick, even if the opponent doesn't fall or appear injured. This is often seen as an attempt to dislodge the puck illegally.
• Swinging the stick in a high arc and making contact with an opponent's head or face, even if unintentional. This almost always results in a more severe penalty.

Consider the case of a player attempting to lift an opponent's stick during a puck battle. If the player swings the stick upward with excessive force and makes contact with the opponent's hand or arm, a slashing penalty is likely. Conversely, a gentle lift of the stick to gain possession of the puck is usually considered legal play.

Consequences of slashing penalties

The immediate consequence of a slashing penalty is that the penalized player must serve time in the penalty box. This puts their team at a disadvantage, playing shorthanded for the duration of the penalty. A minor penalty is two minutes, a major penalty is five minutes, and a match penalty leads to ejection from the game.

Repeated or egregious slashing penalties can lead to supplementary discipline from the league, such as fines or suspensions. The NHL and other leagues take player safety very seriously and actively penalize behavior that could lead to injury. For example, a player who repeatedly slashes opponents in the hands might face a fine or suspension to deter future incidents.

Distinguishing slashing from other penalties

It's crucial to distinguish slashing from other stick-related penalties like hooking, high-sticking, and cross-checking. Hooking involves impeding an opponent's progress using the stick. High-sticking occurs when a player's stick is raised above shoulder level and makes contact with an opponent. Cross-checking involves delivering a check with both hands on the stick.

The key difference lies in the specific action. Slashing is the act of swinging the stick, hooking involves impeding, high-sticking involves the height of the stick, and cross-checking involves using both hands on the stick to deliver a check. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for players, coaches, and fans to understand the rules of the game.