Rule 608 | Checking from Behind
(Note) Checking from Behind occurs when a check is delivered to a player directly from behind, or diagonally from behind. The onus is on the player delivering the check to not hit from behind. This includes body checking or
pushing an opponent from behind in open ice or directly into the boards or goal frame. The onus is on the player delivering the check to avoid placing a vulnerable or defenseless opponent in danger of potential injury.
(a)A minor plus a misconduct penalty, or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, shall be assessed for checking from behind.
(b) A major penalty plus game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who recklessly endangers an opponent, or causes them to go head first into the boards or goal frame, as a result of checking from behind.
(c) A match penalty shall be assessed for checking from behind in all instances when a player recklessly endangers an opponent from behind with excessive force while the opponent is in a vulnerable or defenseless position.
