Can a Player Use a Broken Stick in Ice Hockey?

In ice hockey, sticks often get broken during the course of play. When this occurs, a player is no longer allowed to use the stick in the game. If a stick is broken, it must be immediately dropped. If a player continues to use the stick after it has been broken, then he or she will receive a two minute minor penalty. Playing with a broken stick can be dangerous, so rules are in place that do not allow them to be used during the game.

A player is allowed to receive a replacement stick and does not have to leave the ice if the stick is broken. Additionally, the player is allowed to continue play without a stick, but he or she does not get any additional privileges such as being able to cover the puck or use his or her hands to pass the puck. The replacement stick can only be received by going to the players respective bench and being handed one by a teammate or team official. However, if the stick is thrown to the player or onto the ice by anyone, then the team will be assessed a two minute bench minor penalty for throwing an item from the bench on to the playing surface.

Goalies have their own special set of rules regarding broken sticks. If a goalie breaks his or her stick during the course of play, he or she is allowed to use a player stick that is handed to him or her by a teammate. This is often done by a defensemen because the goalies often has a much harder time trying to stop the puck without a stick. When the play is stopped, a replacement goalie stick is allowed to given to the goalkeeper by a teammate. The goalie is not allowed to go to the bench directly, it must be brought to him or her by a teammate. If a goalie breaks this rule, then he or she will be given a two minute minor penalty, which must be served by one of his or her teammates that was on the ice during the time that the infraction occurred.

Sources:

USA Hockey
Composite Hockey Sticks