Joe LaCour spake thusly: > Just for discussion purposes, USA Hockey & the NCAA leave it up to the ref. > Canada says a Xcheck above the shoulder = 5 + game. I like the Canadian > idea better. Sticks should remain on the ice where the puck is (most of the > time). Are you sure? When this first came up, I did a little research, and held off on posting the results. From the USA Hockey online rulebook: Rule 608. Cross-Checking or Butt-Ending Click here for Situations Manual examples (a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who "cross-checks" an opponent. (Note) "Cross-check" shall mean a check delivered with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by "cross-checking". (c) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who "butt-ends" or attempts to "butt-end" an opponent. (Note) Attempt to "butt-end" shall include all cases where a "butt-end" gesture is made regardless whether body contact is made or not. (d) For Juniors only -- a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (b) of this rule. For Juniors only -- a double minor plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (c) of this rule. Subsection (b) looks pretty straightforward to me. I also examined the comparison table between high school, USA hockey, and NCAA rulebooks at the NIHOA website (unfortunately, the NCAA rulebook is not available online, probably a $$$ and copyright issue). There are no differences mentioned for the crosscheck rule, so I would guess that the NCAA uses the same language, though I'm sure there could be an oversight. HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.