In ice hockey, checking is a physical maneuver used by players to legally impede the progress of an opponent. It involves making contact with the opponent’s body, typically with the shoulder, hip, or stick, to separate them from the puck or prevent them from advancing. Checking is an essential aspect of the game, as it allows players to control the tempo, gain possession of the puck, and intimidate their opponents.
There are various types of checks in ice hockey, each with its own purpose and technique. The most common types include the body check, hip check, and stick check. Body checking is the most physical type of check, involving direct contact between the player’s body and the opponent. Hip checking, on the other hand, uses the player’s hip to make contact with the opponent, often to knock them off balance or force them away from the puck. Stick checking, as the name suggests, involves using the hockey stick to poke or lift the puck away from the opponent.
