A player who is behind an opponent, who does not have the puck, may not use his stick or body in order to restrain his opponent, but must skate in order to gain or reestablish his proper position in order to make a check. Moving laterally and without establishing body position, then making contact with the non-puck carrier is not permitted and will be penalized as interference. The last player to touch the puck, other than the goalkeeper, shall be considered the player in possession. The player deemed in possession of the puck may be checked legally, provided the check is rendered immediately following his loss of possession. Illegal means are acts which allow a player to establish, maintain or restore body position, other than by skating.
Any reference made to the use of the stick implies any portion of the stick.
It is generally accepted that the blade or end of the shaft are used in stick restraining tactics. In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee or Linesman shall blow the whistle and play shall be stopped unless the Team of the player interfered with is in possession of the puck. The play shall be allowed to be completed before blowing the whistle and the puck shall be faced-off where play was stopped. In the event that objects are thrown on the ice that interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play and the puck shall be faced-off at the spot where play is stopped. In the event that objects are thrown on the ice during a stoppage in play, including after the scoring of a goal, a bench minor penalty will be assessed to the home Team.