Chop Meaning in Ice Hockey

A chop is a hacking motion made with a hockey stick. A player swings their stick at the arms or the legs. This action is usually a penalty called slashing by the referee. It is an illegal way to try to steal the puck. A hard chop can break a stick or cause an injury. Officials watch for this move during a puck battle on ice. The defender took a chop at the forward to stop him. Keeping the stick on the ice is the legal technique. Players should use their bodies to separate the opponent from puck. Swinging the stick wildly is a sign of a frustrated player. This foul results in two minutes in the penalty box area. Safe stick checking is a vital skill for every young defender.