Rule 639 - Tripping

A defending player leaves their feet and slides into the puck carrier. The defending player gains possession of the puck and the attacking player falls to the ice after being hit by the defending player’s body. Should a penalty be assessed?

Yes. Rule Reference 639(Note 3 and a).

When a player leaves their feet and slides into an opponent, thereby causing them to fall, a penalty for tripping must be called regardless of who gains possession of the puck. The only exception is when a player drops to their knees to block a shot and their momentum carries them into the player
shooting the puck, causing them to fall. In that event, no penalty is to be assessed

Rule 605 - Broken Stick

A player has broken their stick, but is unaware of the fact that it is broken. What guidelines must be used when determining whether or not to assess a penalty? 

A player is accountable for their actions, so the minor penalty shall be assessed if they participate in the play in any manner. Rule Reference 605(a).

Even though the player may not immediately be aware of the broken stick, there is no provision of the rule that allows them to legally participate in play. In some instances, it may be appropriate for the on-ice officials to verbally alert the player their stick has broken. However, this must be done for the purpose of avoiding a penalty and done with equal diligence by all officials and to both teams.

 Rule 620 - Head Contact

How much force must be behind a check or other contact to assess a penalty for head contact?

The only thing that matters is whether there was contact made to the head, face or neck of the opponent with any part of the body or equipment. Rule Reference 620(Note).

Injury can result with even minimal force when contact is made to the head area. Therefore, USA Hockey is taking a firm stance on any contact to the head area that occurs while delivering a check or making physical contact with an opponent.

If the contact was deemed to recklessly endanger the opponent, then the major plus game misconduct or match penalty options must be assessed.