Unless you've been off the planet, you've heard by now that the new season brings a whole new standard of officiating. USA Hockey rules are the new standard. This is basically what they started using last year in the NHL.
The bottom line is that defenders will no longer be allowed to impede an offensive player's progress. That means you guys have to skate, too. ;) Expect lots of penalties as the season begins and we all get accustomed.
The StarCenter website puts it this way:
"The day of the slasher and hacker is gone. Skating and playing the puck is the name of the game. USA Hockey and the Dr Pepper StarCenters will be enforcing the rules against stick play to the body, holding with the free hand and any and all types of interference. Expect a learning curve in all leagues this season as the referees have all been thoroughly trained to enforce the rules 100%. It has been rumored that Scotty 'double vision' Olsen bought his first new whistle in 50 years for the upcoming season. Keep two hands on the stick, keep the stick on the ice, and play the puck. If not, Chris DeBaene or Cliff Shaw may be your next best friend."
There's a good 13-minute demonstration video on the new rules at:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1089188742600435137&hl=en
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1 comment:
Looks like the pres. of USA Hockey hit his head on the ice a few times... it knocked one of his eyeballs out of alignment.
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