HC Body Checking

Body Checking is an challenging issue in Minor Hockey. Allowing body checking at the Pee Wee age level means that boy at different stages of physical development. Small players are more vulnerable to injury while bigger players have an intimidating advantage. Following the Hockey Canada stages is critical for the safety and good of the game. The Line between "Hitting" and Body Checking needs to be drawn. The intent of "Hitting" is to intimidate. The intent of Body checking is to create a free puck. Officials , Coaches and players must understand that the object of checking is to gain possession of the puck. Officials have to judge the degree of force and the intention of the body checker.