Hockey is a fast, intense, and highly regulated sport, but like any game, it has its fair share of grey areas. While outright cheating—such as using an illegal stick, taking performance-enhancing drugs, or bribing referees—is rare and harshly penalized, there are subtler ways that players and teams push the boundaries of the rulebook. Some of these sneaky plays exist in a legal grey zone, exploiting loopholes or the difficulty of enforcement.

This article explores the ways players, coaches, and even teams “cheat” in hockey—not by breaking the rules outright, but by bending them, finding gaps in enforcement, or using creative tactics that walk the fine line between fair play and gamesmanship.

Loopholes and Grey Areas in the Rules

The Faceoff Cheat – The Illegal Stick Placement

During a faceoff, the centerman is supposed to place his stick in a set position before the puck drop. However, some veteran players have perfected the art of illegally positioning their stick ever so slightly off-center to gain an advantage. If they do it subtly enough, referees won’t call them on it, giving them an edge in winning crucial draws.

Another trick? Using extra tape on the blade of the stick. More tape can create additional friction, making it harder for an opponent to cleanly swipe the puck away. While excessive tape can be penalized if noticed, most players get away with minor adjustments that give them an advantage.

Stick Infractions – The ‘Accidental’ Slash or Hook

Slashing, hooking, and holding are all clear infractions, but veteran players know how to make these penalties less noticeable. A quick hook on an opponent’s hands while in a crowd? A light but effective slash when the referee’s vision is blocked? These little moves can disrupt the other team’s play without drawing a call.

Some players also use their stick to pin an opponent’s stick against the boards—technically interference, but if done subtly, it often goes unnoticed.

The Delayed Line Change – A Time-Wasting Tactic

In professional hockey, the home team has the advantage of making the last line change before a faceoff. However, teams sometimes use sneaky tactics to delay their change when they’re at a disadvantage.

For example, if a tired defensive unit is stuck on the ice after an icing call (which prevents them from changing lines), players may skate extra slowly to the faceoff circle, tie their skates, or “misplace” their gloves to buy a few extra seconds of rest. Refs can warn or penalize a team for delay of game, but only if it’s obvious. A slight stall, though, often goes unnoticed.

The Subtle Goalie Interference Play

Goalie interference is one of the most debated calls in hockey. While blatant contact with the goalie can lead to disallowed goals or penalties, players have found ways to exploit the grey area in this rule.

Some forwards will “accidentally” brush against the goalie’s pad while driving to the net, subtly impeding movement without drawing a penalty. Others may hover just inside the crease to obstruct the goalie’s vision without making contact. Since goalie interference calls are often subjective, smart players push the limits, hoping for a favorable call.

The ‘Phantom’ High Stick – Selling a Call

Diving, or embellishment, is technically against the rules, but that doesn’t stop players from exaggerating contact to draw a penalty.

One common example is the “phantom” high stick. A player might feel a stick come up near their face and react as if they’ve been struck—even if there was no real contact. If the referee buys it, the opponent gets penalized, creating a power-play opportunity.

While referees try to crack down on embellishment, players who master the art of making a slight infraction look worse than it is can gain a critical advantage for their team.

The ‘Pick Play’ – A Legal Interference Move

Interference is illegal in hockey, but there’s a way around it: the pick play.

This move, commonly used in basketball, is when a player intentionally skates into an opponent to free up space for a teammate. In hockey, a well-executed pick play can create a breakaway opportunity without drawing a penalty.

Defensemen often use this tactic subtly—moving just enough to slow down an opponent without making it look like interference. Since referees focus more on the puck carrier, these sneaky plays often go uncalled.

Playing with a Broken Stick – Quick Hands Matter

A player cannot legally play with a broken stick. However, there’s often a small window of time where a quick-thinking player can make one last pass or shot before dropping their stick.

If a defenseman’s stick snaps while blocking a shot, they might still use it to clear the puck before the referee notices. Similarly, a forward might take a quick shot with a half-broken stick, hoping to score before being forced to ditch it.

While this is a gamble—if caught, it results in a penalty—some players take the risk, especially in crucial moments.

Where’s the Line Between Gamesmanship and Cheating?

While outright cheating is rare in hockey due to strict enforcement, sneaky plays that push the boundaries of the rulebook are part of the game. Some tactics, like delaying a faceoff or lightly interfering with a goalie, exist in a grey area where enforcement depends on referee discretion. Others, like embellishment or illegal stick placement, are clear infractions that players try to disguise.

Ultimately, hockey is a game of skill, strategy, and intelligence. The best players not only master skating, shooting, and passing, but also understand how to exploit subtle loopholes in the rules. As long as the game is played, players will continue to test the limits of fair play—walking the fine line between legal tactics and sneaky cheats.

The question remains: when does gamesmanship become outright cheating? The answer largely depends on perspective. To some, these grey-area tactics are just part of the game; to others, they undermine the spirit of fair competition. Either way, they make hockey even more exciting, adding another layer of strategy beyond speed and skill.

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