ICE referees will be required to follow a new policy in the future.

ICE takes action: This offense will be punished more severely

In recent weeks, an issue has increasingly come into focus in the ICE Hockey League: stick-striking. Now, action is being taken.

15 October 2025

From: fop

During this first phase of the season, situations in which players used their sticks improperly and thus endangered the health of their opponents became increasingly common. Stick slashing is by no means the most brutal offense in ice hockey, but it causes more injuries than almost any other offense. Wrists, fingers, and forearms are frequently affected.

To counteract this, the Department of Hockey Operations (DOHOPs) has now issued a clear policy. Stick strikes will be punished more consistently in the future to encourage players to rethink their approach. The goal is to significantly reduce the number of such fouls through stricter penalties and promote fair, safe play.

Promote fairness, avoid injuries

To clarify this, the DOHOPs has published a video on the ICE website analyzing several incidents. These examples demonstrate typical offenses and highlight where stricter measures will be taken in the future. This is intended to create transparency – both for players and coaches, as well as for fans who can understand the new standards.

The tightened policy could have a lasting impact on the character of the game: more discipline, less risk, more fairness. Whether the adjustments actually work will become apparent in the coming matches.