What is slashing in hockey?

Hockey is such a fast-paced game that involves the use of a stick to gain and control possession of the puck. Slashing in hockey occurs when a player forcibly uses their stick to make contact, often in the middle of an opponent’s body, which draws the penalty. 

It does not occur when such forceful contact hits an opponent’s face, since this is known as high-sticking. Likewise, when a player uses too much force against an opponent to trip them up, this also is not slashing but tripping. 

Check out the video below to see exactly what a slashing penalty looks like, so if you’re just now learning the game of hockey, you’ll know what the penalty is when you tune into an NHL, or any hockey game. 

As you may know, penalties like boarding in hockey are subject to varying lengths in the penalty box, depending on how severe the penalty is, and slashing is no different. If a player slashes an opponent, and there is no injury to the opponent, the player committing the act will serve a two-minute minor. 

Severity of the slash is what determines the length of the penalty

But if the opposing player is injured in the play, it could result in a four-minute double-minor, a five-minute major, or, in extreme cases, a game misconduct. If the injury is deemed minor, chances are the offending player will receive four minutes in the box, but if the ailment caused by the penalty is more serious, that’s when a major or game misconduct is implemented. 

In most cases, slashing is a two-minute minor since it doesn’t typically cause injuries to opposing players. Many times, the offender is going for the puck, and their stick just happens to catch the opponent. 

This usually occurs when both players are racing for control of the puck. Often, the offending player is trailing the other, leading to them to reach out with their stick in a last-ditch attempt to get to the puck. Now that you know what slashing is, keep track of how often you see it called in each game, and you’ll also realize just how common of an infraction it is.