graeme
why is a cross check cross?
Posted on: 09/19/2009 11:54
A Quebec judge has ruled that a cross check is an offense under criminal law.
So - today's question is - why is a cross check called a cross check? (it goes across the body or face, of course. But almost all checks do that. So why is only one type called a cross check?)
Hint - the answer is not in Revelation.
Hint - the reason comes from another sport.
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crazyheart
Posted on: 09/19/2009 11:57
So tell us, O Enlightened One. -
the only thing I care about in hockey is to see what Don Cherry is wearing on any particular night.
trishcuit
Posted on: 09/19/2009 12:51
How high has Don's collar gotten?
graeme
Posted on: 09/19/2009 14:27
oh, gee, I expected a torrent of answers in a hockey mad country.
Well, the first game of modern hockey (and I stress modern because one can argue forever about the origins of the game -- all the way back, I suppose to cave men). But the first game of Modern hockey was in Montreal in the 1880s. And far the most popular game of the time was another game - one which produced what I believe is or was the most expensive trophy in sport - and which I last heard of as being on display in a small town bar somewhere in Ontario. And that sport is where the term cross check came from.
revjohn
Posted on: 09/19/2009 20:41
Hi Graeme,
I'm guessing the origin of the cross check is lacrosse. I've watched a few lacrosse games and to be honest I find it difficult to tell a clean hit from a foul in that sport.
The mechanics of the cross check which differs from other kinds of checks in the sport of hockey is the application of the stick.
Body to body checks are legal provided it is not from behind into the boards.
Stick on stick checks are legal provided the stick does get higher than the player's shoulder.
Stick on body checks are not permitted.
The cross check is a stick on body check where the stick is held with the players hands being at least a shoulder width apart on the shaft. The player to be checked is actually hit with the stick.
I'm guessing that in lacrosse contact between the shaft of the stick and another player is illegal although it looks like you can whack the arms with the cup all you wish, provided that player has the ball.
Grace and peace to you.
John
graeme
Posted on: 09/19/2009 20:58
That's it. In the early days of such a hit, fans would yell, "that's a lacrosse check." And it then morphed its way into daily use as cross check.
Most of the rules of hockey come from British rugby. But that expression, and the hockey puck, come from lacrosse.
But now we have a legal precedent. It's a criminal offense, assault with a weapon. It will be interesting to see how the league deals with this. If it doesn't have fighting that's wild enough to compete with the WWF and the extreme fighters, it stands to lose a chunk of fans.