Utah Hockey Club 101: What Is High-Sticking?

Dec 4, 2024, 10:38 AM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – With the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season now well underway, fans have had an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the sport for several months. However, at times hockey can be somewhat of a confusing and complex game which requires more of an in-depth knowledge to fully understand.

As part of the hockey 101 series, the following is an explanation of high-sticking, why it’s a penalty, and what that means for both teams.

Hockey 101: What is high-sticking?

According to the NHL, high-sticking is a two-minute minor penalty when a player’s stick makes contact with any area of an opposing skater above the shoulders.

It’s important to note that it does not matter if a player had the intent to hit the opposing skater above the shoulders or not. If an official notices the stick makes contact with any area above the shoulders, it is always a penalty.

However, if the act of high-sticking is committed as part of a normal shot windup or follow through, it will not be considered a penalty.

How long will a player sit in the box for high-sticking?

High-sticking is a two-minute minor penalty. But If blood is drawn as a result of the high stick, it will then be considered a four-minute double minor penalty.

If a four-minute double minor is assessed, the penalties will be served as back-to-back two-minute minors. If the opposing team scores during the first minor, the initial two minutes will be erased, and the penalized player will remain in the box for the second two-minute minor.

However, if a goal is scoring during the second two-minute minor, the penalized player will then be released from the penalty box.

For more information and explanations of rules, fans can visit NHL.com.

Utah Hockey Schedule

The Utah Hockey Club will now travel to Buffalo for the first of a two-game Eastern road trip against the Sabres. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule. 

Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Kyle Van Noy Links Up With BYU Football Stars Following Pro Bowl Festivities

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy just wrapped up his first-ever Pro Bowl weekend and met up with two former Cougar stars at a Super Bowl event.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

How To Watch Utah State Vs. Fresno State Basketball

The Aggies went from avoiding consecutive losses to now seeking to build another winning streak with a chance to stack their second successive win when they tangle with the Fresno State Bulldogs on Friday, February 7.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jalen Hood-Schifino Waived By Utah Jazz

Jalen Hood-Schifino has been waived by the Utah Jazz after the guard was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

How To Watch, Stream Super Bowl LIX, Chiefs-Eagles

SALT LAKE CITY – Football immortality will be on the line for the Philadelphia Eagles and two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Patrick Mahomes looks to lead his Chiefs to a never-seen-before Super Bowl three-peat, while 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley hopes to carry Philadelphia to its second title in the past eight […]

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Face Suns To Open Three-Game Road Trip

The Utah Jazz will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns on the front end of a three-game road trip following the NBA trade deadline.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Football Among Blue Bloods In Final Cut For Top Hawaii Recruit

BYU is in the mix for one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects in 2026.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah Hockey Club 101: What Is High-Sticking?