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No Touch Icing Debate

February 19, 2010, 9:57 PM ET [ Comments]
Dee Karl
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
With the rule changes that have been implemented in the "new" NHL since the dark days of the "work stoppage," none has been as debated as the "no touch icing rule" which exists in international play. Perhaps because it is a rule that dictates the flow of the game while the trapezoid only dictates the goalie's movement.

I am bringing this up because I am finally getting around to transcribing all my Olympic hockey interview notes and came across one paragraph by Doug Weight. It is in stark contract to the arguement that I heard on the NHL Hour with Gary Bettman this week.

Here goes; when I asked Doug Weight weeks ago what the one rule in the NHL he would like to change he said, "As much as I think it’s part of our game, I think the no touch icing would be a good rule to instill. I just think, I never was a big proponent of it, but with the speed and size of these guys now, the technology, the way guys are skating, the speed of the players, frankly, this is just something bad waiting to happen so that might be first.”

Those are all good points. Someone will get hurt, some have gotten hurt, in the race for the puck. But then there is the other side to the coin. I never expected that coin to come out of the pocket of NHL executive, Frank Brown. Excuse me while I paraphase because I just don't want to take the time to locate the soundbite and transcribe it. However, his feeling is that without that race to the puck, the game is not as exciting as it becomes less end to end.

After thinking about it, I have to admit that "the race to the puck" is indeed exciting and one that I enjoy. But if the players safety is at stake, something has to give. It may just be the entertainment value.

Your thoughts?
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