Cross-checking occurs when a player uses the shaft of their stick between their hands to push, check, or hit an opponent. It’s a dangerous move and is illegal across all levels of the game, though the strictness of enforcement varies depending on the age and competition level.
• Definition: Using the shaft of the stick to check or hit an opponent.
• Penalty: Cross-checking typically results in a 1-2 minute releasable penalty.
• Enforcement Variations: Refs are stricter at youth levels, more lenient at professional levels.