Illegal Hits to the Head

Illegal hits are one of the most common ways a player can be injured.  Hits from behind, hits away from the play, and hits to the head are examples of illegal hits that cause injuries.   Illegal hits to the head are explained by Rule 48 in the NHL Rulebook: "A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted.  However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered." In other words, a hit to the head is illegal under any circumstances unless the player being hit dropped his head purposefully before or as the hit occurred.  A minor (2 minute) penalty is given to the player who conducted the hit.  A player may receive a Match Penalty (forced to leave the match immediately and go to the dressing room) if the Referees find that the player who conducted the hit was trying to injure the player intentionally. The commissioner may assess supplementary discipline if felt necessary.  If the same player conducts an illegal hit to the head 2 times,  game misconducts will automatically be suspended for the next game his team plays.