Ice hockey is a fast, physical sport that often surprises new viewers with its intensity. One of the most unique and exciting aspects of the game is checking. If you’ve ever wondered why players crash into each other, why referees blow the whistle after certain hits, or how defense is played at high speed, understanding checking is key. This article will give you a clear and complete look at what checking is in ice hockey, its types, rules, and its role in the game.
What Does Checking Mean In Ice Hockey?
In simple words, checking is a way players use their bodies or sticks to stop an opponent or take the puck away. It is not just about hitting; it’s a controlled move that helps defend and control the game. Checking can be physical, like body contact, or technical, like using the stick to poke the puck away.
The main goals of checking are:
- To block or slow down opponents
- To win the puck back
- To break up plays and protect your own goal
Checking is allowed, but there are strict rules. Safe checking is part of the sport, but dangerous or illegal hits are penalized.
Types Of Checking In Ice Hockey
There are several types of checking in ice hockey. Each one has a specific purpose and technique.
1. Body Checking
Body checking is when a player uses their body to hit an opponent who has the puck. The idea is to separate the opponent from the puck, not to injure.
Key facts:
- Only allowed against the puck carrier
- Legal in most men’s leagues, but limited or banned in youth and women’s hockey
- Must be shoulder to shoulder or chest to chest, not from behind or above the shoulders
2. Stick Checking
Stick checking uses the hockey stick to take the puck away without making heavy body contact.
Main types:
- Poke check: Using the stick to poke the puck away from the opponent
- Lift check: Lifting the opponent’s stick to grab the puck
3. Hip Checking
A hip check is when a player swings their hips into the path of an opponent, usually along the boards. It’s a classic move but less common today due to speed and risk.
4. Shoulder Checking
Shoulder checking is similar to body checking, but the focus is on using the shoulder to deliver a clean, forceful hit. This move must target the chest or side, not the head.
5. Forechecking And Backchecking
These are not about physical contact but strategies:
- Forechecking: Pressuring the opponent in their defensive zone to force a mistake
- Backchecking: Skating hard to defend when the opponent is attacking
6. Cross-checking
This means pushing an opponent with the shaft of the stick held in both hands. Cross-checking is illegal in most situations and leads to penalties.
The Role Of Checking In Ice Hockey
Checking is not just about physical play; it shapes the entire game.
- Defense: Checking is the main tool defenders use to stop attacks.
- Transition: Good checking leads to turnovers and quick counterattacks.
- Energy and momentum: A big check can change the mood of a game, giving a team energy.
Data shows teams that check well have better puck control and fewer goals against. According to NHL stats, teams with higher successful checks per game often rank in the top half for goals allowed.
Legal Vs. Illegal Checking
Not all checks are allowed. The difference between a legal and illegal check is important for safety.
Legal Checking
- Opponent must have the puck
- Contact must be from the front or side, not from behind
- No contact above the shoulders
Illegal Checking
- Boarding: Checking an opponent dangerously into the boards
- Charging: Taking too many steps or jumping before a check
- Elbowing: Using elbows instead of shoulders
- Head checking: Any contact with the head
- Cross-checking: As described above
Illegal checks lead to penalties, which can be minor (2 minutes), major (5 minutes), or even suspensions.
Checking In Different Levels And Leagues
The rules around checking are not the same everywhere. Age, gender, and league matter.
| Level | Body Checking | Stick Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s NHL | Allowed | Allowed |
| Women’s International | Not Allowed | Allowed |
| Youth Hockey (Under 13) | Not Allowed | Allowed |
| High School | Allowed (with limits) | Allowed |
In women’s and youth hockey, most forms of body checking are banned to reduce injuries. Stick checking and positioning are used instead.
How Checking Affects Player Safety
Checking is a big reason why ice hockey requires so much protective gear. Helmets, pads, and mouthguards are worn to reduce injuries from checks.
However, injuries still happen. According to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, body checking is a leading cause of concussions in youth hockey. This is why many leagues now teach angling and positioning first, before allowing full body checks.
How To Check Properly
Learning to check safely is as important as learning to skate.
Key steps:
- Keep your stick down: No high sticking or slashing.
- Stay low: Bend your knees and keep your center of gravity balanced.
- Aim for the chest or shoulders: Never target the head or back.
- Follow through: Use your legs, not just arms, for controlled power.
- Respect the rules: Illegal checks hurt your team and risk injury.
Many coaches use drills to teach young players how to deliver and receive checks safely.
Comparing Checking With Other Sports
Checking in ice hockey is unique, but other sports have similar moves.
| Sport | Equivalent Move | Allowed Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Shoulder challenge | Limited |
| Basketball | Screen/Box out | Very limited |
| Rugby | Tackle | Full body |
| Ice Hockey | Body check | Allowed (with rules) |
Unlike rugby, ice hockey checking must be controlled and within the rules, with a strong focus on player safety.
Two Insights Most Beginners Miss
First, many new fans think checking is only about big hits. In reality, small, well-timed stick checks can be just as effective and often lead to more turnovers.
Second, checking is not just a defensive skill. Skilled forwards use checks to win the puck back and start attacks. Good checking leads to scoring chances, not just stopping opponents.
Penalties Related To Checking
The main penalties include:
- Checking from behind: Dangerous hit, 2 to 5 minutes
- Boarding: Hitting a player into the boards, 2 to 5 minutes
- Illegal check to the head: Automatic penalty
- Cross-checking: 2 minutes or more
Knowing these helps players avoid hurting their team with unnecessary penalties. For official rules, the NHL Rulebook is a good resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Purpose Of Checking In Ice Hockey?
The main purpose is to separate the opponent from the puck, slow them down, and regain possession for your team. It is a key defensive and attacking skill.
Is Checking Allowed In All Ice Hockey Leagues?
No. Men’s professional leagues allow body checking, but most youth and women’s leagues do not. Stick checking is usually allowed everywhere.
What Is The Difference Between A Legal And Illegal Check?
A legal check is delivered to a player with the puck, from the front or side, and below the shoulders. Illegal checks target the head, back, or are delivered dangerously.
Can You Check A Player Who Does Not Have The Puck?
No. Checking a player without the puck is called “interference” and results in a penalty.
How Can Players Protect Themselves When Being Checked?
Players should keep their heads up, use their bodies to absorb contact, stay near the boards carefully, and always wear proper equipment.
Ice hockey’s physical style is part of what makes it thrilling to watch. But checking is more than just hitting—it’s a skill that, when used correctly, keeps the game fast, strategic, and (mostly) safe. Understanding checking helps you appreciate the sport’s tactics, the respect between players, and the importance of playing within the rules.
