New fighting rule now in place

Hard to say how this rule will affect the way the game is played. Hockey is a game of emotions and sometimes those emotions boil over and gloves are dropped and the “dance” is on. Sometimes a player goes into a fight trying to get his team motivated – to pump the team up. Yes, in the past there were players that held the role of enforcer. Now, that role may still apply, but, the rules of engagement have changed. The big hit that levels a player and another teammate coming in for “payback” will certainly be re-thought now. Big hits will rule the night . . . which might not be a bad thing … maybe . . .

Will this rule help or hurt the way hockey is played? Some people will hate this rule and feel it’s a way of taking some of the “excitement” out of the game. Others will feel as if this is the future of the game since most of the kids playing at this level will move on the some form of college hockey – where fighting is not allowed.

Time will tell how this changes the game we all love to watch – and for some of us “call”. One thing’s for sure – the good ‘ole hockey brawl and odd goalie fights are long gone into the night . . .

:::HERE IS THE RULE:::

The following is a description set forth from USA Hockey on Rule # 613 “Fisticuffs”:

Any player who removes his (or opponents) helmet prior to or during an altercation shall be assessed an automatic Game Ejection / Game Misconduct

This is the spirit or intention of this rule;

•     If a player unsnaps his helmet-automatic misconduct in addition to all other penalties assessed, no exception, rule # 304e. When a player  steps on the ice he is deemed “ready to play”, therefore mouth guard & helmet required, including warm up period.

•     If a player/players remove their or opponents helmet before a fight, Game Misconduct.
•     If a player grabs, pulls or pushes the helmet off during or before a fight, Game Misconduct.

If during the course of the fight a helmet becomes dislodged, this is NOT a penalty, the intent to remove must be there. This will be monitored closely and common sense should play a part in this area…