New Rules

[MDE3]

Now that the NHL has clamped down on the interference, although it's calls still vary too much between specific refs and specific games, do you think we will see this level of interference/infringement called for inline hockey as well(in my opinion it is at least as necessary to inline as to professional ice hockey)? What effect is it having/will it have on youth hockey both ice and inline?

[USAHIL]

MDE3,

I was wondering the same thing the other night, and went in search of other's opinions. I didn't really find anything, but I found this paragraph by ESPN's John Buccigross. This column was written during the strike last year. He was writing that the NHL needed to adopt new rules regarding obstruction, clutching and grabbing. His proposal was as follows:

"It's very simple: You have to have position on a man to make contact with any part of your body or stick; otherwise you have to play the puck! You can't ever tug at a man with your stick when he is in front of you. You have to skate and get a shoulder in front of the man to make stick and body contact. That would allow for more speed, more action, more goals and strangely enough, more big hits!"

That standard is probably too strict for the NHL and other professional leagues, but it sure could be used for inline and youth leagues. Think about how much it would open up the game if the only way you could stick check someone is if you were at least even with them.

I sure hope it filters down....but we have all heard this before. "No this time we really, really, really mean it. We are going to clamp down." Let's check back in a few months.

Jay Milton
USA Hockey InLine
[email protected]

[MDE3]

Actually I think they (The NHL) have been at this long enough already to see the overwhelmingly positive feedback...even given the massive number of stoppages from penalties we have seen. The opinions I have seen expressed on TSN and similar, as well as talking to friends and old time hockey fans from all over, is that the net result to the game is extremely positive.

I think the speed of play and transitional movement has re-ignited a lot more excitement in the sport already..at least from within the hard core fan base....I think that should really help the NHL stick to their guns....

I think a lot of the old time refs, as well as the "old time" players....are still going to need to be ridden hard not to capitulate..as old habits do indeed die hard....and consequently there is a lot of variance in calls from game to game.

The proof in the pudding will be the ability of the sport to A) draw back fans who have lost interest in the sport due to boredom with the old version of the "pro" game, and B) draw new fans who find the game exciting enough they cannot stay away.

Personaly I have really enjoyed the later games as the teams and refs begin to evolve their skills and calls....The net result, is that skating obviously becomes a premium talent, but also the in the new version, guys who do not have the hands to play at the higher transitional speed are becoming obvious anchors.

The new game is really focussing on skating and hands...both a boon for inline hockey in a way...particularily if the rules are applied the same way for inline...which IMHO...was maybe even worse than ice hockey for illegal stick work.

[sactosaxons]

Thanks to "Center Ice" I've been able to watch more games (or at least parts of games) than is probably good for me. Virtually every game has been entertaining if not downright exciting. In large part, the "no lead is safe" aspect of roller is what makes it so enjoyable to watch. Now we're seeing that nightly in the NHL and I for one couldn't be happier! Penalties will drop as players and refs learn & adapt. I'm starting to see more and more games where practically the only whistles are for TV time-outs! Anyone else enjoying that??? What a joy to watch these guys play without all that "interference". I'm guessing that the "new" play rules/penalties will filter down to roller as the new style of play becomes the norm. Woo-Hoo!!!