In hockey, kneeing means using the knee to make contact with an opponent, and the penalty can range from a minor to a major with a game misconduct, depending on how severe it is.

What it usually means

  • A minor penalty can be assessed for a less severe kneeing infraction.
  • A major penalty plus game misconduct can be assessed if the player recklessly endangers an opponent.
  • If the act is deliberate and intended to injure, it can become a match penalty.

Simple version

If the knee is just part of incidental contact, the punishment is usually lighter. If the knee is used aggressively or dangerously, the penalty gets much harsher and can include ejection.

Quick example

If a player sticks out a knee while trying to hit someone, that can be called kneeing. If the hit causes injury or looks especially violent, officials can escalate it to a major plus game misconduct.

TL;DR: kneeing in hockey is a dangerous foul, and the penalty is usually a minor, but it can rise to a major, game misconduct, or match penalty depending on intent and severity.