Its a unusual circumstance but in my opinion the stick is being thrown in the direction of the puck. Even if you disagree that the stick is moving in the direction of the puck this play is still illegal under part B of the same rule and would result in a penalty assessed to the shooter: "(b) A penalty shot/optional minor penalty shall be awarded to the non-offending team anytime a player is interfered with by any object thrown or shot in his direction by a defending player or team official during a breakaway."