IHM Knowledge Center
Can a Player Score with a High Stick in Ice Hockey?
Can hockey players legally score after contacting the puck with a high stick, and how do officials determine whether the goal counts?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: May 21, 2026
Short Answer
No. A goal cannot legally count if the puck is directed into the net by a stick contacting the puck above the legal high-stick limit.
Full Explanation
Hockey rules limit how high players may legally play the puck with the stick.
If the puck is contacted above the allowed stick height and directly enters the net afterward, the goal is disallowed.
The legal limit is generally determined relative to the crossbar height.
Officials closely evaluate the exact puck-contact point during reviews.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
Both NHL and IIHF prohibit goals scored directly from illegal high-stick contact.
The overall philosophy is nearly identical internationally.
Minor interpretation differences may exist regarding deflections and secondary touches.
Video review is commonly used in both systems.
What Counts as a High Stick?
A high stick usually occurs when:
- The stick contacts the puck above crossbar level
- The puck is redirected illegally
- The contact creates a direct scoring play
Officials compare puck height to the crossbar visually and through replay.
When the Goal May Still Count
Some goals remain legal if:
- The puck contacted the stick below the legal limit
- The puck touched another player legally afterward
- The puck entered after a legal deflection sequence
Timing and touch sequence become extremely important.
Why These Situations Are Controversial
High-stick goals are controversial because puck height is often extremely difficult to judge in real time.
Debates usually involve:
- Crossbar comparison angles
- Slow-motion replay distortion
- Deflection timing
- Visual perspective differences
Millimeter-level differences can decide the ruling.
Edge Case: Double Deflection Near the Crossbar Height
A major edge case occurs when the puck changes direction multiple times near crossbar height before entering the net.
Officials must determine which touch actually directed the puck legally or illegally.
Complex deflection chains often require extended video review.
The final legal touch becomes critically important.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To evaluate high-stick scoring situations, focus on these signals:
- Height signal: Was the puck above the crossbar?
- Direction signal: Did the high stick directly redirect the puck?
- Sequence signal: Were there additional legal touches afterward?
Trigger-level rule:
If the puck is directly redirected into the net by a stick above legal height, the goal will almost always be disallowed.
Crossbar height is the critical reference point.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
Many fans think any puck touched above waist level becomes illegal automatically.
In reality, officials specifically compare the puck-contact point to the crossbar height and evaluate the entire deflection sequence.
Legal secondary touches can completely change the ruling.
Understanding direct redirection vs continuing play is key.
Mini Q&A
Can players score directly with a high stick?
No.
What height is used for the rule?
The crossbar height.
Are these goals reviewed often?
Yes.
Can legal secondary touches change the ruling?
Yes.
Why is this rule important?
To preserve safe and fair puck play.
Why This Rule Exists
This rule exists to prevent dangerous high-stick puck play while preserving fair scoring standards.
Player safety and controlled stick use are the primary priorities.
Key Takeaways
- Direct high-stick goals are illegal
- Crossbar height determines legality
- Video review is often necessary
- Deflection sequences matter heavily
- Millimeter-level timing affects rulings