Paul Stewart: High Stick? Depends on the Situation

This is one of my main pet peeves. There are certain players who constantly carry their stick around carelessly (Danny Briere was one) who constantly get high sticking minors, while an inadvertent missed stick lift that draws a minor cut receives a double minor. Another case of ruling by result, not intent, and an oversimplifying of a rule.

Edit: As for rules that specifically call for lengthier punishments due to injury, I am not in favor. It's why we have a thing called "attempted murder" in the US. People should be punished based on their intent, not on the result.

Punishing on "intent" is very difficult in most cases, unless of course you can read minds.
Paul if you happen to read this, can you give your opinion on the non call on the Nielsen breakaway play in the Isle Ranger game last night. Nielsen interview addressed it well I thought, and I have to admit the official took Capuano's tirade very well and did not compound it.

Punishing on "intent" is very difficult in most cases, unless of course you can read minds.
Paul if you happen to read this, can you give your opinion on the non call on the Nielsen breakaway play in the Isle Ranger game last night. Nielsen interview addressed it well I thought, and I have to admit the official took Capuano's tirade very well and did not compound it.
- Sec111

In the case of high sticking, it would more be "carelessness" with the stick. If you're constantly skating with your stick high and whip around with it, or intentionally raise it to make/avoid contact, then that's a double minor to me. If you go for a stick lift or try to poke check and it rides up the other player's stick, that's a minor to me.