After many years of roughly abiding by its rules regarding the standards of play, the American Collegiate Hockey Association decided to strictly enforce its code of conduct. Based on an idea from the NHL, the league decided to commit to a style of play that limits contact between players.
The interpretation of the infractions is different
Ohio hockey coach Dan Morris said. In the past the rules were more based on what each head referee interpreted them as now the rules are standard policy in black and white.
According to a memorandum sent out by the NCAA, players are now given the right to meet their offensive and defensive responsibilities without being held hooked
or otherwise obstructed. Penalties are now solely based on the rulebook, rather than the situation of the game.
The reinforcement of these rules has led to a variety of reactions from members of the Ohio hockey team.
This allows teams with more talent to showcase its skills
Morris said. You have to be able to skate
you have to be able to move the puck
and our guys do that.
Right wing Paul Warriner echoed Morris' opinion of the rule change. I think it will really help the game
Warriner said. It will definitely suit us well
because we have a lot of talent and speed on our team.
However, the open style of play might not benefit goaltenders. I don't like them at all because the 5-on-3 situations make it tough for goaltenders
said goalie Chris Carlson.
With officials closely monitoring games, the Bobcats (3-1, 1-1 CSCHL) have adapted their playing strategy to benefit from this change.
In the past we would get big bulky guys to fill up space
keeping opponents on the perimeter
