Jason Williams stretchered off the ice in

[PBRyan 0]

I heard that there has been some talk following this incident about the NHL imposing a contact to the head rule a la the NFL. I think it would be a bit hard to enforce, especially if the hit is actually with a shoulder, but could be for the best.

[Chadd 916]

I heard that there has been some talk following this incident about the NHL imposing a contact to the head rule a la the NFL. I think it would be a bit hard to enforce, especially if the hit is actually with a shoulder, but could be for the best.

It's not hard to enforce at all. USAH has a head checking rule and I've had no problem enforcing it for years. The only time you would have any issues at all is when Chara hits Briere. Other than huge height differences like that, it's very simple. Body checks are to be delivered body to body, not shoulder to head.

[hockeytim18 0]

Chadd, I play midgets which you've probably ref'd before. If a goalie covers the puck would I be allowed to poke at him (trying to get the puck) legally until the whistle blows?

[Chadd 916]

Chadd, I play midgets which you've probably ref'd before. If a goalie covers the puck would I be allowed to poke at him (trying to get the puck) legally until the whistle blows?

According to the rules, no. Though virtually every ref will allow it, then allow someone to pound you for doing it.

[PBRyan 0]

It would be difficult to enforce shoulder to the head type hits no matter who is hitting who, regardless of size. Size just makes it more likely, and blatant, that a shot to the head will occur.

Unless there is an elbow or hands to the face, it is difficult to tell where you are gong to hit someone with your shoulder, you have inherently less control than your extremities. In some instances when a legal, shoulder hit is the play to make, you are gonna hit someone's head no matter what because a. their head is down b. they are crouching lower for whatever reason (turning, reaching, stickhandling) c. there is in fact a height discrepency. I cannot see how you can punish a player for making a totally legal shoulder check. The only way I can see this making any sense is to add intent into the equation. Since Torres lined Williams up and made an unneccesary hit with Willams's head was down (did not have the puck, yet still really tried to level Williams), you could get Torres for intending to injure (or acting in a way that is highly likely to injure a player). Hits that occur when player A has the puck and player B hits him cleanly with a shoulder should never be a penalty. In football you can tackle in a number of different ways; however, legal hitting in hockey is much more limited and making further restrictions on shoulder hits that occur when a player has the puck should not be reprimanded.

[Chadd 916]

It would be difficult to enforce shoulder to the head type hits no matter who is hitting who, regardless of size. Size just makes it more likely, and blatant, that a shot to the head will occur.

Unless there is an elbow or hands to the face, it is difficult to tell where you are gong to hit someone with your shoulder, you have inherently less control than your extremities. In some instances when a legal, shoulder hit is the play to make, you are gonna hit someone's head no matter what because a. their head is down b. they are crouching lower for whatever reason (turning, reaching, stickhandling) c. there is in fact a height discrepency. I cannot see how you can punish a player for making a totally legal shoulder check. The only way I can see this making any sense is to add intent into the equation. Since Torres lined Williams up and made an unneccesary hit with Willams's head was down (did not have the puck, yet still really tried to level Williams), you could get Torres for intending to injure (or acting in a way that is highly likely to injure a player). Hits that occur when player A has the puck and player B hits him cleanly with a shoulder should never be a penalty. In football you can tackle in a number of different ways; however, legal hitting in hockey is much more limited and making further restrictions on shoulder hits that occur when a player has the puck should not be reprimanded.

It's the intent that they want/need to address. Good examples would be most of Scott Stevens hits over the last few years of his career or about half of the hits thrown in Calgary in any given game.

[--notorious 0]

"Its my job to finish checks or I wouldnt be here" thats what Torres said or something to that affect. We cant keep making rules especially specific ones. Its hard enough for referees. Its too hard to tell. Plus diving might start happening if its that easy to get a penalty.

[Chadd 916]

"Its my job to finish checks or I wouldnt be here" thats what Torres said or something to that affect. We cant keep making rules especially specific ones. Its hard enough for referees. Its too hard to tell. Plus diving might start happening if its that easy to get a penalty.

I disagree. The hits in question are obviously different from the run of the mill bodychecks.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

Man, I should've asked Babcock yesterday what his take was on it.

Dude is funny as hell - tries too hard to be incognito at the rink - rockin' the Stihl hat and old-ass Bauer jacket and ratty-ass jeans - sharpen his kid's skates - I ask him how the game with Nashville went (I didn't know the result)

Me: Did you win Fri night

MB: Yeah, 3-0

Me: Ah...poor Preds

MB: They did it to themselves

Me: Yeah, I know Pete Horachek from my days in Orlando

MB: He didn't dress

Me: Not Hordichuk, the assistant coach

[warrior37 0]

thats gold right there

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

LOL and I didn't have one in...I know he packs bombs... you just can tell.