Rule 610 - Delay of Game

Play is stopped because of an injured player. As soon as the whistle blows, the player gets up and skates away, obviously faking the injury to obtain a stoppage of play. May the Referee call a minor penalty for delaying the game?

Yes. Rule References 610(h) and 206(a).

The Referee must assess a bench minor penalty if a player deliberately delays the game by faking an injury

Rule 609 - Cross-Checking

A player checks an opponent with two hands on the stick and the blade of the stick on the ice. May this be considered crosschecking?

No, assuming the blade of the stick is on the ice for the purpose of attempting to gain possession of the puck. Rule Reference 609(Note).

A cross-check is generally considered a check delivered with the stick while the player has two hands on the stick and the blade off the ice. However, if there is no attempt to play the puck and the player extends the arms with force for the purpose of delivering a check with the stick and with both hands on the stick, a penalty for cross-checking is warranted

 Rule 201 - Composition of Teams

During the game, through injuries and penalties, a team is unable to place four players on the ice. Can the game proceed?

No. Rule References 201(a) and 408(a).

Any time a team is reduced to below four players on the ice during a game for any reason, the game shall be forfeited. Players in the penalty bench with delayed penalties are not permitted to participate in the game (on the ice) or leave the penalty bench until their penalties expire.