IHM Knowledge Center
Can a Player Throw Their Stick in Ice Hockey?
What happens if a player throws their stick during a hockey game, and when does it lead to a penalty or awarded goal?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: May 3, 2026
Short Answer
No. Players are not allowed to throw their stick in ice hockey, and doing so can result in a penalty, penalty shot or even an awarded goal depending on the situation.
Full Explanation
Throwing a stick is considered an illegal action in hockey because it unfairly interferes with gameplay and scoring chances.
A player may not throw their stick at the puck, an opponent or into a passing or shooting lane.
The severity of the punishment depends on where and how the stick is thrown.
In some situations, referees may award a penalty shot or automatic goal if a clear scoring opportunity is prevented.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
Both NHL and IIHF prohibit players from throwing their stick.
The overall principle is nearly identical across leagues.
If a thrown stick illegally stops a scoring chance, severe penalties can follow.
Awarded goals are most commonly seen in empty-net situations.
Common Situations Involving a Thrown Stick
Referees may penalize a player for:
- Throwing the stick at the puck carrier
- Throwing the stick to stop a pass
- Throwing the stick during a breakaway
- Throwing the stick toward an empty net attempt
These actions are treated seriously because they directly affect scoring opportunities.
What Punishment Can Be Given?
Possible consequences include:
- Minor penalty
- Penalty shot
- Awarded goal
The decision depends on the scoring chance involved.
Why These Situations Are Controversial
Thrown-stick situations are controversial because referees must judge how much the illegal action affected the play.
Fans often debate whether the scoring chance was truly dangerous enough for a penalty shot or awarded goal.
Controversy usually comes from:
- Judgment of scoring probability
- Timing of the throw
- Distance from the net
- Defensive pressure nearby
These calls can dramatically change games.
Edge Case: Empty Net Situation
A major edge case occurs when a player throws their stick at a puck headed toward an empty net.
If the referee believes the puck would likely have entered the net, an automatic goal may be awarded.
This is one of the rarest but most important applications of the rule.
The empty net changes the severity significantly.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To evaluate a thrown-stick situation, focus on these signals:
- Scoring signal: Was there a clear chance?
- Interference signal: Did the stick affect the play?
- Net signal: Was the net empty?
Trigger-level rule:
If a thrown stick illegally stops a clear scoring chance, referees almost always escalate the punishment beyond a normal minor penalty.
Empty-net situations carry the highest risk.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
Many fans think throwing a stick always results in the same penalty.
In reality, punishment depends heavily on the scoring opportunity involved.
Minor infractions and goal-preventing situations are treated very differently.
Understanding scoring impact is key.
Mini Q&A
Can players throw their stick in hockey?
No.
What happens if they do?
A penalty is called.
Can it lead to a penalty shot?
Yes.
Can a goal be awarded?
Yes, in some empty-net situations.
Why is the rule important?
To protect fair scoring chances.
Why This Rule Exists
This rule exists to prevent players from illegally stopping scoring opportunities through unfair actions.
It protects the integrity and fairness of the game.
Key Takeaways
- Throwing a stick is illegal
- Can result in multiple punishments
- Penalty shots are possible
- Empty-net situations are severe
- Scoring chance determines punishment