DOPS statement: Checks to the head

This season, the DOPS have reviewed many incidents, in which some have been worthy of supplementary discipline, others have warranted a 5+GM, but no supplementary discipline and many others have been reviewed, regardless if a penalty is called, for the sake of player safety, within the confines of the rules of the game. In many cases the similarities or differences, are dependant on a judgement decision of the incident. Meaning, it is not a basic yes or no conclusion.

The Department of Player Safety (DOPS) evaluates incidents based on two main criteria:

• The head must be the main point of contact
• The head contact must be avoidable

Key points:

• Legal body checks target the opponent's body between the knees and shoulders to separate them from the puck.
• Illegal CTH occurs when the head absorbs the majority of the impact, regardless of initial contact point.
• Head movement independent of the body is a key indicator of illegal CTH.
• Avoidable head contact can result from poor timing or angle of approach.
• Incidental or unavoidable head contact may not result in supplementary discipline.
• Player movements that put their own head in the contact lane may not be deemed illegal CTH.

Factors considered for disciplinary action include:

• Force of impact
• Resulting injury
• Whether the player was unsuspecting
• Predatory nature of the hit

The DOPS reviews all incidents, regardless of on-ice penalties, to ensure player safety within the rules of the game