Arguments for the New National Hockey League Rules

Arguments for the New National Hockey League Rules

On July 22, 2005, the National Hockey League Board of Governors approved a number of changes to the rules of the National Hockey League (NHL). These rule changes were imposed to place a purposeful need on the League to emphasize competition, players’ skills, and an entertainment value to the game of ice hockey. These changes were reported, formulated, and brought to the Board of Governors by a Competition Committee. The Competition Committee was comprised of four general managers, four hockey players, and one owner. The general managers chosen were: Don Waddell of Atlanta, Kevin Lowe of Edmonton, Bob Gainey of Montreal, and David Poile of Nashville. The NHL players on the committee were Brendan Shanahan of the Detroit Red Wings, Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames, Rob Blake of the Colorado Avalanche, and Trevor Linden of the Vancouver Canucks. In addition, the single team owner chosen for the committee was Ed Snider of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The following are the points of interest where the rules have been changed:

• Dimensions of the Rink

• Fewer Stoppages, Increased “Flow”

• Instigator Rule

• Limits on Goaltenders

• Officiating Points of Emphasis

• Shootout

• Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Each of these rule changes has its own layers, changes, and reason for change. There are many NHL players and fans with varying opinions. Therefore there are many different opinions and views on the subject to consider for this argument. My arguments will overview the changes in the following points or rules: Limits on Goaltenders, the Shootout Rule, and Fewer Stoppages, Increased “Flow”.

The rule changes that went into effect for the 2005-2006 NHL season for Limits on Goaltenders also included a goaltender’s equipment. Under the new rule, a goaltender’s equipment, such as the blocking glove, upper-body protector, and protective pants will be reduced by more than 10 percent, and leg pads cannot exceed 11 inches. In addition to equipment changes, goaltenders may only play the puck behind the goal line in an area shaped as a trapezoid. The trapezoid begins six feet from each goal post then extends diagonally to points

28 feet apart at the end boards, according to the NHL FAQ’s webpage. (http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/cba/rules_changes072205.html)

The NHL’s new equipment restrictions for goaltenders will aid in goal scoring and will also, “reward those goalies who have the best puck-stopping skills,” said General Manager of the Montreal Canadians, Bob Gainey. Before the new limitations, goaltenders were allowed to wear big, bulky leg pads, which were up to 13 inches wide. With the new 11-inch wide leg pads, the lower corners of the net will be opened up for shooters. Limiting the area for handling the puck with the trapezoid will make it easier for the opposing team players to “dig pucks out of the corner,” stated columnist, James Dowd. (http://www.michigandaily.com/home) Both of these restrictions will show the talent of the goaltenders and will create more scoring opportunities, which will ultimately increase the entertainment value of the game for fans.

The addition of the new Shootout Rule will guarantee a winner for every game, which entirely eliminates ties. The rule reads as follows: “Following scoreless five-minute overtime, three players from each team participate in the order the coach selects. Each team takes three shots. The team with the most goals after those six shots is the winner. If the score remains tied, the shootout will proceed to a sudden death format. Regardless of the number of goals scored during the shootout portion of overtime, the final score recorded for the game will give the winning team one more goal than the score at the end of regulation time,” as stated on the NHL FAQ’s webpage. (http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/cba/rules_changes072205.html)