What body contact is allowed in the PWHL?

The rulebook says a form of bodychecking is permitted. Players may angle an opponent with their body to separate her from the puck. Players moving in the same direction whose body contact causes the puck carrier to lose the puck are not penalized, and a player who holds her position on the ice may make contact with an approaching puck carrier without penalty.

Bodychecking is penalized as an "illegal hit" when a player:

• makes deliberate contact with an opponent using opposite-directional force,
• leaves her skating lane to make contact, or
• extends an arm, shoulder or hip after angling an opponent.

Other points from Rule 52:

• Bodychecking is allowed when there is a clear intention of playing or gaining possession of the puck.
• Players may "hold their ground": a stationary player is entitled to that area of the ice, and the puck carrier must avoid contact with her.
• If the puck carrier makes every effort to avoid contact and the opponent moves into her, or a player steps or glides into an opponent, the penalty is at least a minor (2 minutes) for an illegal hit.
• Referees may assess a minor or a major penalty depending on severity.

Source: PWHL Official Rulebook 2025-26, Rule 52.