Happy New Year to All,
Last year I noticed a trend, were the lady retained hold on 5 of the Hockey Sick, to finish with the joined hands resting on the lady's left shoulder, still with her back to partner. I just can't see what is to be gained by this. To me it looked ugly!

I don't know if it's what other people mean to do...but in Open Gold it allows for a different progression of steps following the end of the Hockey Stick. In other words you can continue to progress against the line of dance into another figure that wouldn't be possible if you finished the Hockey Stick normally.

Thanks, Belleofyourball, for your input. I feel it would be nye impossible to lead a figure with the lady's right arm looking like a 'Choker'. Far better to have the joined hands behind the lady's lower back.

There are many variations whose "endings", are implemented by addition or " links" ; remember , the "book " figures are only a guide to standardisation for exams and uniformity for those specific levels.

Luv2dance. If the Hockey Stick is done correctly on step five beat three the lady turns at the very end of that step five and not before. This does put the ladies right hand over her left shoulder as she walks away with her back towards her partner. The Hockey Stick in the Rumba is supposed to be telling a story, as all the steps in the Rumba are. That turning away and back again are all part of the story being told.
If you have seen Alan and Hazel Fletcher on their Latin Tape you would know what I mean.

Youre correct in your assumption ( a story ) .

Its actually called the " call and response " .

A "question" is asked by lady for e.g. ( a step ), and the man responds .

Those origins are from the original form of Rumba which was danced solo, based on Orisha, Yambu and Santaria .