IHM Knowledge Center
Can a Goal Be Scored with a High Stick in Ice Hockey?
If a player makes contact with the puck above a certain height and it goes into the net, does the goal count or is it automatically disallowed?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: April 19, 2026
Short Answer
A goal cannot be scored if the puck is played with a stick above the crossbar and directly enters the net. However, if the puck deflects legally below that height or off another player, the goal may count.
Full Explanation
The high stick rule in scoring situations is based on the height of the stick at the moment of contact with the puck. The key reference point is the height of the crossbar.
If a player strikes or directs the puck with a stick above crossbar level and the puck goes directly into the net, the goal is disallowed.
However, if the puck is played below the crossbar or deflects off another player after contact, the situation becomes more complex and requires referee interpretation.
This rule ensures that goals are scored through controlled, legal puck play rather than dangerous or unfair stick positioning.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
In the NHL, the crossbar is the strict reference point. Any direct contact above that level leading to a goal results in disallowance.
In IIHF rules, the principle is similar, but enforcement may be slightly stricter in deflection situations, especially involving multiple touches.
Both leagues rely heavily on video review to determine exact stick height at the moment of contact.
Why These Decisions Are Controversial
High stick goals are controversial because the difference between legal and illegal contact can be just a few centimeters.
Fans often judge based on outcome, while referees must determine the exact height of the stick at the moment of contact.
Controversy usually comes from:
- Close calls near crossbar level
- Multiple deflections involving different players
- Camera angles that distort stick height
Replay reviews can take significant time because officials must isolate the exact frame of contact.
Edge Case: Deflection After High Stick Contact
A critical edge case occurs when the puck is first contacted with a high stick but then deflects off another player before entering the net.
If the deflection is off a defending player and the initial contact was illegal, the goal is usually disallowed.
If the puck is redirected in a way that creates a new, legal scoring sequence, referees may need to evaluate whether the original high stick directly caused the goal.
These situations often require detailed video analysis and are among the most debated calls in hockey.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To determine whether a goal will count, focus on these signals:
- Height signal: Was the stick above the crossbar at contact?
- Directness signal: Did the puck go straight into the net?
- Deflection signal: Did another player change the puck’s path?
Trigger-level rule:
If the puck is directly struck above the crossbar and enters the net, the goal is almost always disallowed.
If the puck is contacted below the crossbar or redirected legally, the goal may count.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
This rule is misunderstood because people focus on whether the puck went in, not how it got there.
The legality of the goal depends entirely on the moment of contact, not the final trajectory.
Two visually identical goals can be ruled differently based on the exact height of the stick at impact.
Understanding this timing and height relationship is critical to interpreting referee decisions.
Mini Q&A
What is the reference height for a high stick?
The height of the crossbar.
Can a goal count after a deflection?
Yes, if the deflection creates a legal scoring sequence.
Is video review always used?
Yes, in close situations.
Does a high stick always cancel a goal?
Only if it directly leads to the goal.
Is this rule the same in all leagues?
Yes in principle, with slight interpretation differences.