Video illustrates new rules

[The General]

Change doesn't come easily but a faster, more exciting brand of National Hockey League action begins with the new rules to be introduced this season. The League and its players are committed to a wide-open game with more scoring chances and fewer stoppages of play.

Watch the Video (WMP): 700K | 300K EA Sports demos new rules (QT video): Dimensions | Goalies | Icing | Offsides | Red line | Shootout

For the new rules to succeed, they will need the support of all of the NHL's players, coaches, general managers, owners and officials. Players have been vocal in their support of the changes. The new standard of enforcement will require referees to call penalties on existing rules, including hooking, holding, tripping, slashing, cross checking and interference.

"It's important that people out there in the mainstream of hockey recognize that this is a cultural change in hockey," said Stephen Walkom, NHL Senior Vice President & Director of Officiating. "Accepted practices, practices that have been coached into the game for the past 20 years, will now be called as penalties. The clutching and grabbing of the puck carrier that has bothered the fans for years will be addressed under the new standard of enforcement."

NHL.com is pleased to present the video, The New Standard of Rule Enforcement 2005-06, narrated by Walkom, that explains to fans, players, officials, coaches and team executives how the rules will be enforced this season. Dozens of examples are shown of banned practices, like defensemen cross-checking forwards who plant themselves in front of goalies. Acceptable practices are also illustrated in many situations.

"The game this year will reward speed, quickness, skill, intelligence and hard work," Walkom said. "It will penalize illegal tactics, especially when a player uses his stick or free arm as a defensive tactic."

It's evident from the video how ingrained some of the illegal tactics had infiltrated the game, particularly the use of hands and sticks as restraint devices to smother offenses. The rules changes will impact the game in all areas of the ice and in all types of situations.

"The practice of wrapping an opponent with your free hand along the boards in the defensive zone is no longer permitted. This means more free skating in the offensive zone," Walkom said. "A defensive player will have to make an immediate hit on a rival who dumps a puck past him. If an immediate hit is not made, defensive players must turn and chase after the puck."

The new standards of enforcement are illustrated in the video and explained by Walkom, a NHL official for 15 years who worked the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2002 and 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.

"The new standards of enforcement, including restricting where the goalie can play the puck and removal of the center red line, are all designed to create more offense and scoring opportunities for the players in our game," Walkom said.

http://www.nhl.com/news/2005/09/234088.html

[dirty]

Is hockey Back or something???

[The General]

LOL

I was just getting into hockey when they crapped on the fans. I hope I can get back into it.

I do not get to watch enough though.

[dirty]

I have been to one Thrashers game and I like it OK.....Will not ever pay for Tickets...but if they are given to me I will go....

Just can't stand the sport Myself. But will bet the occasional game if someone in the know has a Good play.

[The General]

I was having good success myself in betting it, but then they took off and changed the rules on me to top it off. Scared now as a beginner fan.

[nok1122]

with new rules, old hockey bets don't work any more, but over look very nice.