What are the penalties for head contact in minor hockey?

Rule 7.6 of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-2028 states that there is no type of legal contact to the head, face or neck. It covers direct contact and accidental contact where the main point of contact is the shoulder or chest, and players must be penalized for contact with an opponent's head, face or neck at all times.

In minor and female hockey:

• Accidental contact: a Minor penalty.
• Intentional contact with any part of the body or equipment: a double Minor penalty.
• Three Head Contact penalties under 7.6 (a): the player receives a Game Ejection penalty.
• Degree of violence: the referee may assess a Major and Game Misconduct, and must do so if the opponent is injured on contact that would otherwise be a Minor. A cross-check to an opponent above the normal height of the shoulders is a Major and Game Misconduct whether or not injury results.
• Match penalty: for a hit to the head where the opponent cannot protect themselves, or an attempt to injure or deliberate injury by head contact.

Interpretation: if a player delivers a legal check to the chest or shoulder and then contacts the head, face or neck with their stick or body, it is accidental head contact and is penalized according to the degree of violence.