Proposed Rule Changes – Good or Bad?

The NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee proposed several changes. These changes are intended to allow student-athletes to use their speed and skill to create scoring opportunities.

The NCAA noted that: Protection of the puck carrier and faceoff protocols were identified as the committee’s points of emphasis. The committee believes officials have properly handled obstruction away from the puck, but believes the puck carrier must be afforded more opportunities to make offensive plays. In the area of faceoffs, the committee will continue to emphasize the administration of the line change procedure and increase the enforcement of interference and obstruction fouls immediately after a faceoff.

The Proposed changes are as follows:

Two-referee, two linesman system.

I think overall this is a good proposal. However, I do agree with comments made about the WCHA on the blog GOON’s World.

Goals scored by kicking. The committee spent a considerable amount of time discussing goals that are scored with the use of the skate. To make this rule as clear as possible, the group proposed adjustments to its rules that will allow all goals scored as a result of deflections. This will include deflections off an attacking player who is in the act of stopping, provided neither skate is used to direct the puck into the net. Pucks that are directed or kicked with the skate moving toward the goal will not be allowed.

This is a good change; however it is still all about referee judgment. The rule needs to be very clear and interpreted consistently amongst the referees.

Shootout. The committee voted to maintain the traditional game structure (60 minutes, followed by a five-minute overtime), but will allow interested conferences to use shootouts at their discretion. This will in no way alter national rankings or the NCAA championship selection process.

Bottom line; leave this alone. However, if a conference considers a shoot out; it should be for the extra point and not winner of the shootout takes all.

Icing. The committee approved a proposal dealing with icing. The rule will not allow a team that ices the puck to change its on-ice personnel.

This is a good change. A team should not receive a benefit for icing the puck.

Faceoff locations. Starting next season, all faceoffs will be conducted at one of the nine faceoff spots.

Not sure the impact of this.

Overall, I think the above proposals will help the play of the game. I guess we have to see what happens in July when the Rules Panel votes.