Checking in ice hockey is the act of physically keeping an opposing player in check. It is not a penalty.

There are multiple types of checking:

Body checking 

Using the hip or body to contact an opponent in possession of the puck from the side or front. This is often referred to as simply checking.

Poke checking 

Using the stick to poke the puck away from an opponent.

Sweep checking 

Using the stick in a sweeping motion to knock the puck away from an opponent or deter him from passing.

Stick checking 

Using the stick to interfere with an opponent's stick.

External links

• Background on Checking (http://www.hockeycanada.ca/e/develop/checking/) from Hockey Canada