The WCHA is set to participate in an experimental unlimited high-sticking rule in conference games only during the 2025-26 regular season.
“There is a strong interest in this concept from the league’s coaches, and it has been discussed for years,” said WCHA commissioner Michelle McAteer in a statement. “Many believe it’s a skill that can increase scoring chances and puck possession time. We anticipate we will see this utilized in the offensive zone for tips and redirects to increase scoring chances. Also, players will likely try to bat pucks down that are being flipped out of the defensive zone and through neutral ice.”
As part of the experimental rule, players will be allowed to play the puck with their stick, at any height, during regulation and overtime play. The rule will not apply to shootouts or penalty shots. Any attempts to play the puck that result in a penalty will be called as warranted. The WCHA will collect data and video to share with the coaching body and rules committee at the end of the year.
“First of all, we want more scoring in hockey,” said Minnesota head coach Brad Frost at WCHA Media Day. “This is an opportunity to have that. Secondarily, and maybe most important for me, is it seems like any time there is a potential high-stick goal, the referee will either call it a goal or wave it off, and they have an eighth of a second to make that decision. Even if they go back to review, it is still really hard to decide whether that was a high stick or not because of the angles of the cameras, because everything happens so quickly, because of the quality of the cameras.”
Ohio State head coach Nadine Muzerall, also at WCHA Media Day, stated, “We will see how it looks. I am not worried that kids will be swinging around their stick like they are fencing or something. It’s going to be highly skilled players. I am not too concerned about it. I think we will be able to be safe in that environment, and we will just see how it goes.”