FAQs
It is not possible to pick up a broken stick because it is dangerous. If a player has a broken stick in their hand, they may be unable to play due to the risk of injury to themselves, a friend, or an opponent.
Why don t hockey players pick up their sticks when they drop them? ›
Not picking up a stick so you stay in position
Hockey is a rough contact sport so it is quite common for a player to lose his stick in the normal course of play. If a player accidentally drops his stick, he is allowed to go pick it up because it has not broken – he just dropped it!
Are you allowed to pick up the puck with your stick in hockey? ›
One more no-no from the NHL rulebook for all players, defenders or attackers: "If the player catches it and skates with it, either to avoid a check or to gain a territorial advantage over his opponent, a minor penalty shall be assessed for "closing his hand on the puck."
Why can't you pick in hockey? ›
The Pick Rule
It is not a legal play in the NHL. A player cannot step in front of another that is not in possession of the puck in order to take him out of the play. It is dangerous and can result in serious injury.
Can an NHL player move a broken stick? ›
(Note) A broken stick is one that, in the opinion of the Referee, is unfit for normal play. (a) Any player whose stick is broken must drop his stick prior to participating in the play. A player or goalkeeper shall be allowed reasonable time to be aware that the stick is broken.
Why are left handed hockey sticks illegal? ›
Why were left handed sticks band? Left handed sticks cause a high risk to injury in the game of field hockey. If a right handed player came in for a block tackle against a left handed stick they would most likely get hit on the follow through swing.
Why do NHL players tap their sticks? ›
So, the tradition in hockey is that to applaud, hockey players will tap their sticks on the ice (or against the boards if they're on the bench) to signify approval. When you see it, you know it's a hockey thing, a sort of hockey sign language that any player will immediately recognize.
Is the Michigan illegal in NHL? ›
The league sent a memo to its officials about the “Michigan”/“Svechnikov” lacrosse-style goal reminding officials that any goal scorer must have his stick below shoulder level when possessing the puck and below the crossbar when putting it home. Otherwise, the stick is in an illegal position.
How long can a hockey player hold the puck? ›
(c) Play shall be stopped and an end zone face-off taken when a goalkeeper holds the puck for more than three seconds while being pressured. If not pressured, after a warning by the Referee, a goalkeeper shall be assessed a minor penalty for delay of game.
Is it illegal to use the hockey stick to hook another player? ›
(Note) Hooking is the action of impeding the progress of an opponent with a pulling or tugging motion by applying the blade of the stick to any part of an opponent's body or stick. A player cannot use their stick against an opponent's body (puck carrier or non-puck carrier) to gain a positional advantage.
99 is retired throughout the NHL not only because he is considered the greatest player in League history, but because the number and his name are synonymous. Though there is no debate over who the best player to wear that number is, there are 98 other numbers with more than one worthy candidate.
Why can't you touch the Stanley Cup? ›
Not Touching the Stanley Cup Until They've Won It
However, anyone with any aspirations of winning it themselves won't take this opportunity. Many believe that touching the Stanley Cup before you've won it is bad luck and will keep you from doing so.
Why can't you wear 0 in hockey? ›
Beginning with the 1996-97 season, the NHL decreed that Nos. 0 and 00 could no longer be worn since they confused the League's digital database; today, only No. 1 through No. 98 are allowed, No.
Do NHL players use a new stick every game? ›
They use one new one per game on average -- not every game they get a new one, but they may break a couple in one game, so it averages about 80 or so per year. There are players in the league that'll use three new sticks in a [single] game, but in general, it's about one."
Can a NHL player hold 2 sticks? ›
Yes. A player is permitted to carry two sticks, provided he doesn't attempt to take part in the play.
Do NHL players tape their sticks every game? ›
From beer leagues to the NHL, taping the stick is often considered to be a holy pre-game ritual for almost every player. The tape job (or "TJ" for short) needs to be perfect, done the same way, to the same length, with the same amount of overlap, and with the perfect amount of wax, no exceptions.
Why do so many NHL players shoot left-handed? ›
The curved blade of a hockey stick is meant to help a player lift the puck into the air, and the curve is generally more pronounced on the left side of the stick. This gives left-handed players a natural advantage when it comes to shooting the puck, as they can get more lift on their shots.
Why are there so many left-handed shooters in the NHL? ›
“There are more left-handed shots than right-handed shots because (so many players) are right-hand dominant (and play with that hand at the top of the stick),” duch*ene said. “But the guys that do shoot right are better shooters because their dominant hand is on the power part of their stick.
Are most people left-handed in hockey? ›
Some left-right stats: Roughly 60 to 70 percent of NHL players are left-handed shooters, depending on the season. Six of the NHL's top 10 current scorers are lefty shots, but three of the top five goals leaders shoot right-handed.
What is smelling salt in hockey? ›
Ammonia salts directly irritate the nasal mucosa and elicit a noxious reflex. This causes the heart to beat faster and hopefully counteract the vagal response. Approximately 50 years ago, they became popular in sports to supposedly counteract the effects of head trauma.
Rally towels came to professional hockey by accident in 1982. Outraged by a string of unfavorable calls in a road game during the conference finals, Vancouver Canucks coach Roger Neilson draped a white towel over a player's stick and waved it above his bench in mock surrender.
Why is there a hole in a hockey stick? ›
The hole in the blade separates the blade into two independent sections that work in conjunction with each other. The top section is still & rigid which keeps the blade stiff while the bottom section is flexible, allowing the blade to bend and spring, creating the slingshot effect.
Is it illegal to wear a cage in the NHL? ›
The NHL has made it clear that players who wear full cages will no longer be allowed on the ice during play stoppages or goalies changes unless there is an emergency situation . What is this? Kids should always be supervised by an adult while playing sports so that any potential injuries can be prevented.
Why is the NHL not a monopoly? ›
The NHL is not a monopoly because the organization does not have the only rights to a hockey league. At any time, another organization can start a hockey league to compete with the NHL.
Why can't NHL players play NCAA? ›
NCAA student-athletes are amateurs and cannot have played for a professional sports team prior to enrollment. In hockey, specifically, this means that anyone who signs a contract with or plays for a team in the Canadian Hockey League (OHL, QMJHL or WHL) forfeits their NCAA eligibility.
How fast can a NHL player hit a puck? ›
The NHL record for fastest shot is held by Zdeno Chara, whose shot was measured at 108.8 mph (175.5 km/h) during the NHL All-Star Game's Skills Competition in Ottawa, Canada, on 29 January 2012.
Has a puck ever broken in the NHL? ›
“The whole puck needs to go in net and it's pretty tough when the puck breaks in half for it to all go in the net.” While it's quite rare, pucks have broken in half in the NHL as well.
What age do hockey players stop playing? ›
Sports tend to be a young person's game, with most of the best professional athletes in their 20s. Players tend to retire in their 30s — even the best ones — however, some are able to hold on for a little longer. In fact, dozens of NHL players have managed to play in at least one game after blowing out 40 candles.
What happens if you hit someone with your stick in hockey? ›
(c) A match penalty for reckless endangerment may also be assessed for slashing . (d) Any player who swings their stick at another player in the course of an altercation shall be assessed a minor or major plus game misconduct or a match penalty .
Can you throw your hockey stick into the goal? ›
(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the ice who shoots or throws any portion of their stick or any other object in the direction of the puck or to a teammate.
Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress. This is most often done in an effort to prevent the opponent from playing the puck and is considered a good defensive play.
Can you wear 69 in NHL? ›
3, 2011, and played seven seasons in the League, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015 (wearing No. 11). Fun fact: Desjardins and forward Melvin Angelstad (two games with the Washington Capitals in 2003-04) are the only players in NHL history to wear No. 69.
Why can't you wear 66 in hockey? ›
Today, if a player did wear number 66, it would feel like 66 tons of weight on his back. It's a number they would have to live up to. It's a number they know they couldn't live up to. No player has worn number 66 full-time since Vancouver's Gino Odjick in 1991.
Is there a 69 in hockey? ›
Earlier in his career, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Desjardins won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015. He is also notable for being one of only two players in NHL history to have worn the number 69, with the other being Mel Angelstad.
Has anyone's name been removed from the Stanley Cup? ›
1983-84: Edmonton Oilers - Owner Peter Pocklington included the name of his father Basil Pocklington, who was unaffiliated with the team. The NHL learned of the move and ordered the name removed.
Do players drink out of the Stanley Cup? ›
One of the oldest traditions would be the winning team drinking champagne from the Cup. This tradition was started back in 1896 by Winnipeg Victorias, long before the NHL days but still this tradition carries on to this day.
Has anyone dropped the Stanley Cup after winning it? ›
In 1962, the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup. During a party after the win, the trophy was dropped in a bonfire and badly damaged.
What is the rarest number in the NHL? ›
19, 25, 36, 41, 45, 50, 70, 72, 74 and 88 are all worn by at least one player at each position. Of course, 66, 69 and 99 are not worn by anybody. 80, 84 and 94 are the three numbers not worn by any player that would be available.
What number is banned in the NHL? ›
Athletes in every team sport have a number on their jersey to identify them.In the NHL, players are given numbers between 1 and 98. Anything less than 1 (0, fractions, decimals) are not permitted and anything over two digits is not permitted. Additionally, 99 was retired by the league to honor "The Great One."
Can NHL players wear 1? ›
It is what people know and in 98 years of NHL there are many players who have made their number go down in history. #1 is a number typically reserved for goalies and the following is a list of the Top 5 goalies in history to ever wear the number #1.
Some players will take a shower during the intermission to feel revitalized for the upcoming period. Other players choose to meditate, closing their eyes, staying silent and visualizing their success for the remainder of the game.
Do NHL players get new gloves every period? ›
"A lot of guys switch [their gloves] at the middle commercial break of each period, so at the 10-minute mark," Wilson said. "A lot of guys will run two pair and switch every commercial break. Or other guys at the halfway mark of the period." With gloves, it mostly comes down to sense, handle, and weight.
Do NHL players get new jerseys every game? ›
In recent years NHL teams generally give players 3-4 sets of white and dark jerseys annually, with special sets being introduced for alternate/heritage designs or special games.
How heavy is an NHL stick? ›
The weight of an Ice Hockey Stick is 14.64-16.75 oz (415-475 g).
Do NHL players wax their sticks? ›
After taping their stick, some players add a coat of wax or mink oil to the taped stick. If you are playing on natural ice, the wax layer can protect against snow or ice buildup. It can also allow for a little more friction between blade and puck, helping the player to control the puck better.
Can you hand the goalie their stick? ›
He can also be handed a stick from a fellow player; however, this must be considered a legal hand-off. The player handing off the stick cannot slide or throw the goalie a new stick, it must be physically handed to the goalie. This rule also applies to situations when a goalie has lost his stick during game play.
How does Wayne Gretzky tape his stick? ›
Baby powder on a hockey stick? Wayne Gretzky famously topped off his stick tape-and-wax jobs with a dusting of baby powder to take the edge off the stickiness just enough so he could be one with the puck.
Why do hockey players cut their sticks? ›
Longer sticks will make it difficult to level the blade with the ice in puck handling and passing situations. It will also force the player to handle the puck further away from the body, creating an awkward center of gravity position for the lower hand.
Is black tape illegal in the NHL? ›
NHL – link
A player may apply tape anywhere on his stick for reinforcement or to enhance control of the puck. He may use any color tape that he prefers. Goalies must use a knob of white tape or some other protective material approved by the league on the top of the stick that is a minimum of ½” thick.
Why do hockey players drop their gloves before fight? ›
Players must also "drop" or shake off their protective gloves to fight bare-knuckled, as the hard leather and plastic of hockey gloves would increase the effect of landed blows.
Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress. This is most often done in an effort to prevent the opponent from playing the puck and is considered a good defensive play.
Is holding a stick a penalty in the NHL? ›
In ice hockey, holding the stick is a penalty called when a player intentionally holds an opposing player's stick in his hands and between any part of his body (i.e. under arms or between legs) to restrict the opposing player's ability to play the puck. The referee will call a minor penalty for this infraction.
What do NHL players do with their gloves between periods? ›
Gloves sit on the machine while a blower fan dries them out, so they'll be fresh to use by the time the next period begins. Some players even rotate through gloves during games, allowing them to keep their hands fresh and dry.
Why do hockey players put foil on their hands? ›
When the Hanson Brothers were getting ready for a game in "Slap Shot," they were seen putting foil under their gloves to help them cut their opponents during fights. Puttin' on the foil has become a reference to getting ready to fight. Snarl: The step before the donnybrook/dropping the mitts/tilly/fisticuffs.
What sticks are illegal in NHL? ›
Illegal Stick Length
The blade must not exceed twelve and one-half inches (12 ½”) in length or three inches in width. The blade must be beveled on all edges per the rulebooks set by USA Hockey and the NHL. If your stick doesn't meet these requirements, it is considered illegal.
Why is high sticking not allowed in hockey? ›
NHL Rule #60.4
In the opinion of the referee determines that a player used his stick to intentionally injure a player of the opposing team, the referee will issue a match penalty to the offending player, which results in them not being able to play for the rest of the game.
What is the NHL rule 80 for high sticking? ›
According to Rule 80 in the NHL Rule Book, high sticking the puck occurs when a player makes contact with the puck in open ice while his stick is above the height of his shoulders. If a player high sticks the puck and either he or a teammate is the next to control it then the whistle is blown to kill the play.
What happens if a player on the bench grabs a player on the ice? ›
(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed for holding an opponent. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a player who uses his hand to rub, grab or hold the facemask of an opponent.
Can you hold 2 sticks in the NHL? ›
It's illegal to play with two sticks—even if one of them is a goalie stick. In fact, playing while holding the goalie stick would normally violate another rule governing the dimensions of a player's stick, but that rule is waived in this specific situation.
Do NHL players get new sticks every game? ›
They use one new one per game on average -- not every game they get a new one, but they may break a couple in one game, so it averages about 80 or so per year. There are players in the league that'll use three new sticks in a [single] game, but in general, it's about one."