How is checking from behind penalized?

Checking from behind is an action where a player is pushed, body-checked, cross-checked or hit from behind. The responsibility is always on the player delivering the check to avoid contact to an opponent's back, and referees are told to strictly enforce the rule, for example where:

• a player about to be checked turns and creates contact with the back;
• a player along the boards with their head down is hit from behind and driven head-first into the boards;
• a player swings the elbow and forearm into an opponent's back to throw them into the boards;
• a player kicks or pulls an opponent's feet out from behind and then pushes them into the boards.

Penalties (Rule 7.5):

• Minor plus Game Misconduct for intentionally pushing, body-checking, cross-checking while in motion, or otherwise hitting an opponent from behind anywhere on the ice.
• Major plus Game Misconduct at the referee's discretion, based on the degree of violence of the impact. If a player is injured by a checking from behind infraction that would otherwise be a Minor, a Major and Game Misconduct must be assessed.
• Match penalty for hitting an opponent from behind into the boards or goal frame in such a way that the player is unable to protect or defend themselves, or for deliberately attempting to injure or injuring an opponent by checking from behind.
• No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for checking from behind.

Source: Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-2028, Rule 7.5. https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Officiating/Downloads/2026-28-hc-rulebook-e.pdf