PIHA Refs

[swampdonkey89]

I wanted to start by saying congrats to all the teams that won this weekend. From what I can tell there were a number of great games all over the country. I can't wait to see how the season is going to play out in the different divisions.

I was trying to gain a general consensus of how the games were called this weekend. I know in MASS, the difference between the minor league game and the pro game was astonishing. All of the stickwork and the body work was more noticable called in the minors than in the pros. Not only did I notice this, but everyone playing on both teams did as well. I don't know how it played out in the other games but I don't think there should be two different rule sets between the minors and the pros. And, if there isn't then our refs did a terrible job. Let me know what happened in the rest of the league games.

[MM18]

The games that were played in northern NJ were called way to tight. I understand the sticking but when it comes to body contact it was not allowed at all. (and im not talking about going out there and killing people i am talking about two guys going to a puck and whoever got the better of the hit got the call against him).

[minutemen]

With our two series on the weekend I have to say the refs were consistant in both pro and minors. We had three refs in the two nights. All were basically consistant with the new rules. One problem I did have is that the refs have to realize that they have dsgression to the rules. They should use their disgression in overtime, since a penalty results in a penalty shot. Our minors had three out of four games in overtime, and twice we had penalty shots against us. One game we lost. The penalties that were called had no effect to the play. That is where the refs need to use disgression. The calls we behind the play and even the other bench said they were bad calls. As for the pro we had one overtime game with the balze where three penalty shots were awarded. No team won because of them but that is not hockey. A team should not lose in a great game by a penalty that once again in all three matters did not effect the play. Bill Katinsky said it best in his post last night, a team should not win a game on an individuals penalty shot. If the game is in overtime it should be won with the team on the floor.

Overall I think our not refs did a good job. Most probably do not like the new rules, but once we get used to it, i think it will be fine. I have to say the refs did a great job of explaining why they called the penalties. They did a great job tellling the captains what they are looking to call before each series. With all the penalties called most of them were right with the rules. The refs told us what not to do, so do not blame the refs, those are the rules. Yes refs do make bad calls and they miss them as well. what the players have to reneber is we have to leave our sticks down and not to follow through with our bodies. But I think we should be aloowed to play some body against the boards. I think full body checks definitely should be called. Anyway, if we all listen to what refs tell us before each series, there will be a lot less penalties called. It is also up to teams coaches to remind the players of the rules. Best of luck to all teams, a great first weekend with a lot of surprise wins.

[AFan99]

I thought the refs in Mass did a pretty good job. I think it will take them a little time to adjust to what to call and what not to call. The one thing I think they had a hard time calling in the pro game were some of the picks. I dont mean picks that were body to body contact.

A few picks were called were a teammate basically skated in between the oncoming defender and the puck carrier. Now if no contact is made then there should not be a penalty called, also if the defender skates into the guy who is not carrying the puck then the only call that should be made is interference on the defensive team. The point being is that any player on the floor has the right to skate through a lane as long as no body contact is made then I am not sure how a penalty can be called.

I think for the most part it will take a few games to get the inconsistencies out. On the other hand I dont think the scores would have been much different if the rules were not enforced to the extent they were.


Congrats to everyone on what seemed to be a very succesful weekend around the league.

Thanks
Paul

[GROWL]

We were happy with the officiating for the most part in our games. We all need to understand that this is a change for them too. It will take them a while to become consistant with there own calls, as they learn what is and isnt a penalty. I particularly think Ref in Chief Rick Pohlig did a great job explaining things as we progressed through the games. In each of our first games, all four teams took a lot of penalties, particularly the Growl in period 2 of Game 1. Then as we learned what they were going to call the penalties in both the pro and minor 2nd game went down.