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Can a goalie play with a broken stick?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 12, 2026

Unlike the rules regarding other players, a goalie can continue to play with the broken stick until he can make it to the bench during a pause in the game to retrieve a new one. He can also be handed a stick from a fellow player; however, this must be considered a legal hand-off.

What happens if a goalie breaks his stick?

National Hockey League Rules

The stick can only be returned to him by picking it up and handing it to him. A goaltender who has broken his stick can continue to play with it until the play stops. During play, a teammate can also hand him a new stick.

Can you play with a broken stick NHL?

Simply, it is illegal to play with a broken stick. If a player is caught using a broken stick it is a 2 minute minor penalty. Therefore, if a player has his stick broken they must immediately drop the stick to the ice and discontinue using it. How often does a stick break during the game?

What is the broken stick rule in hockey?

(Note) A broken stick is one that, in the opinion of the Referee, is unfit for normal play. (a) Any player whose stick is broken must drop his stick prior to participating in the play. A player or goalkeeper shall be allowed reasonable time to be aware that the stick is broken.

Can a player move a broken stick in hockey?

A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who knocks or shoots any abandoned or broken stick or illegal pick or other debris towards an opposing puck carrier in a manner that could cause him to be distracted.

33 related questions found

Can a goalie play with a player stick?

Unlike the rules regarding other players, a goalie can continue to play with the broken stick until he can make it to the bench during a pause in the game to retrieve a new one. He can also be handed a stick from a fellow player; however, this must be considered a legal hand-off.

Why do NHL players not pick up their sticks?

Players cannot play with broken sticks because they are dangerous. A player who has a broken stick in his hand could injure himself, a teammate or an opponent if he gets checked with the remnant in his hand.

Can a hockey player hold two sticks?

It's illegal to play with two sticks—even if one of them is a goalie stick. In fact, playing while holding the goalie stick would normally violate another rule governing the dimensions of a player's stick, but that rule is waived in this specific situation.

Can you catch a puck?

Hockey players are not allowed to catch or throw the puck at any time during a hockey game. Catching a puck with a closed hand can result in a minor penalty for closing your hand on the puck.

Why do hockey players tap their sticks after a fight?

It's tough for hockey players to clap during a hockey game. They are wearing gloves and carrying sticks and, well, it just doesn't really work. So, the tradition in hockey is that to applaud, hockey players will tap their sticks on the ice (or against the boards if they're on the bench) to signify approval.

Can you play the puck without a stick?

A player may not play the puck with a broken stick.

If you don't, it's an automatic minor, per section 10.3 of the rulebook.

Who's the best skater in the NHL?

Melrose Minute: Best skaters in NHL history

  • No. 5 Pavel Bure. When he was in Vancouver, he was so scary against. ...
  • No. 4 Sergei Fedorov. What a beautiful skater. ...
  • No. 3 Mike Modano. I've known Mike since he was 18 years old. ...
  • No. 2 Paul Coffey. ...
  • No. 1 Bobby Orr.

Can you stick lift the goalie?

Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress. This is most often done in an effort to prevent the opponent from playing the puck and is considered a good defensive play.

Can a hockey goalie throw his stick?

A goalie doesn't usually get the same treatment as the skaters in front of him. But, a goalie cannot let go of his stick either. Some times, a goaltender will try and poke the puck away from a skater with his stick. To do that, he has to loosen his grip on the “paddle” and let it slide all the way to top.

Why do goalies have to use white tape?

The reason for the use of white tape, rather than other colors is to distinguish between the puck and the knob of the stick. Some goalie's have a quite large knob which can be mistaken for a puck. Keep that in mind if you want to use another color tape as well.

Can a goalie hand pass?

They can also push it along the ice. However, if the puck is deliberately directed to a teammate in any zone on the ice other than the defending zone play will be whistled dead by an official . This is ruled as a hand pass but it is allowed if a player directs the puck to a teammate in their own defending zone.

Can hands be used in hockey?

Unlike soccer, hockey rules allow players other than goalies to use their hands on the puck.

Is tripping legal in hockey?

Tripping is the action of placing your hand, elbow, leg, knee, foot, or stick in front of an opposing player so that they may fall or lose their balance as a result. This action is not permitted in hockey games.

Can you hit a goalie in the trapezoid?

The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.

How many periods are there in hockey?

The time allowed for a game shall be three (3) twenty-minute periods of actual play with a rest intermission between periods.

When should you retake a hockey stick?

We need to retape our sticks when the cloth starts to wear out, falls off, or is ripping from the stick. All of these instances can be caused from puck marks, shooting the puck, ice and snow getting under the adhesive and more.

Can you steal someone's stick in hockey?

From Rule 10.3 of the NHL rule book. A player who has lost or broken his stick may receive a replacement stick by having one handed to him from his own players' bench; by having one handed to him by a teammate on the ice; or, by picking up his own unbroken stick or that of a teammate's from the ice.

Why is the trapezoid in hockey?

The NHL adopted the trapezoid behind the goaltenders' net during the 2004-05 lockout. The trapezoid limits the goaltenders puck playing ability, by giving them a limited amount of space behind the goal line.

What is the fastest lap in hockey?

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings – 14.116 seconds. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche – 13.834 seconds. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers – 13.690 seconds.

Who has the hardest shot in the NHL?

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber won the event in 2020 (106.5 mph). The All-Star Game and Skills were not held last season because of coronavirus concerns. Defenseman Zdeno Chara holds the NHL Hardest Shot record of 108.8 mph, set in 2012.