August 18: Down the long road

Hockey: The NHL is currently reviewing a new hybrid icing rule. This rule doesn't replace the current icing rule, but it does tack on an important provision. The rule, which is used in US hockey leagues, states that which ever player reaches the defensive-zone face off dot first has the right to the puck. At that point the offensive player cannot make aggressive physical contact to gain position. The idea is that, in the event of a collision or a player falling to the ice, there will be enough time for the player to protect himself before hitting the boards.

This rule makes sense, but is part of what might be the start of a disturbing trend. This rule is brought in because of a general lack of respect for opposing players. It's a safety rule that says, 'the league doesn't trust its players enough to not injure one another.' Agitators are roster spots to cause havoc and annoyance around the ice. To be able to perform at this role they are being asked by hockey culture to have less respect for other players. These aren't the enforcers of the past that would have nothing wrong with roughing anyone up but would do so in a manner that allowed the target to at least try and stare them down first.

Unfortunately, without an discussion out on what the penalty would be (it ought to be a 5 minute unsportsmanlike major), it is impossible to say if the impact on a team would be great enough for a player to take this penalty. The fact is, shit happens. Take the Flames' third game last year, where Iginla and the Oilers' Souray were entangled for some distance chasing down an iced puck. The result was both hitting the ice hard, where Souray sustained a grade 1 concussion and injured his shoulder, which ended up in him missing a stretch of games. Neither of those players are dirty. Iginla will beak and he will fight. What about the Sabres' Kaleta? I don't think any rule will stop him from trying a dirty trick. You'll see him protest on game 1 of the season that they were still "on the dot" when he made contact.

I would like to see less injuries on the ice. However, it needs to be a change in culture. Yzerman weighed in on the head shot debate and said just that. We cannot leave players in the league that have no concern for other players. You can play hard, fast, strong, aggressive, and dominant without being disrespectful or dangerous.