What Is Butt Ending In Hockey?

Butt-ending is a penalty in hockey that occurs when a player uses the end of their stick’s shaft, which is located above the upper hand, to check an opponent in any fashion.

It can also occur when a player jabs or attempts to jab an opponent with the end of their stick’s. An attempted butt-end occurs when the action of butt-ending is made, regardless of whether contact is made with the opponent.

Butt-Ending Penalty

Butt-ending is considered a major penalty that results in the offending player sitting for five minutes in the penalty box. This results in their team being shorthanded and the opponent being on a power play for the duration of the penalty clock. When butt-ending occurs or is attempted, a game misconduct penalty is also a considered sanction, given that the action is most likely intentional. A match penalty may also be enforced if it is determined that the butt-ending was deliberately intended to cause harm. The level of penalty given for butt-ending depends on the severity of the act and the discretion of the referee, with the most dangerous violations warranting ejection and possible suspension or fines.

Referee Signal

The referee will signal a butt-ending penalty by moving a forearm with a closed fist under a forearm with an opened palm, facing downward. After the whistle is blown and play has stopped, the referee uses this signal to communicate the penalty call to off-ice officials, coaches, and fans.