This should have been it's own post, but the NCAA sent out a memo clarifying their rules directive. The article does mention some slipping in the enforcement of those rules(Hi WCHA!), but for the most part, chides officials for calling games too tightly(Most likely the ECACHL), and pointing out that the NCAA's rules directive isn't the same as the NHL's or USA Hockey's.
In my mind, it's a giant step backwards for college hockey. How do we go from "a penalty is a penalty regardless of situation" to "There always will be judgment in officiating and every situation is not black or white."
The other question is why would they want the game called like the NHL or USA Hockey? The NCAA has come a long way in garnering the respect of NHL clubs, and it would be foolish to throw it all away by gaining the reputation of a clutch and grab league. I've even seen headway made in the USA Hockey rules enforcement. I went to a high school game earlier this season, and yes, there was an almost ridiculous amount of penalties called. But I also went to a game last night, and there was a total of 4 penalties called all game, and while the refs could have maybe called a couple more if they wanted, it was a much faster, cleaner game.
On a related note, there was an interesting interview with Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna where he expressed concern over a lack of scoring. I think it's interesting that scoring went way up in the NHL last season, and the general consensus was the only reason it went up was because there were so many more powerplays, but the NCAA hasn't seen their scoring go up with more penalties being called.
Alberta goalie Brad Eidsness has committed to North Dakota. He'll likely take over for Phillippe Lamoureux next season.
Other commitments of note, according to Chris Heisenberg, include AJHL leading scorer Dustin Sather committing to Alaska, and former Totino-Grace HS(yes, it's named after the pizza roll lady) defenseman Brandon Graffunder, who is playing for Alaska in the NAHL this season.
INCH may not have given in to my campaigning for Travis Morin, but Hockeysfuture.com NCAA writer, and frequent blog reader, D.J. Powers seemingly has. Morin gets an honorable mention in her 10 Hobey Baker candidates.
David Backes made his NHL debut last night for the St. Louis Blues, and got an assist on his first NHL shift.
Adam Wodon features Michigan Tech's Peter Rouleau.
CHN's Blog discusses fighting in college hockey. It's kind of odd. They say there's nothing wrong with a melee breaking out every once in a while in the heat of the moment, as do I, and as do most college hockey fans. Yet gather people's reactions about the fight in the NBA on Saturday night(excluding thoughts on Carmelo's slap-n-dash), and the opinion is pretty much the opposite. It's a Jason Whitlock column just waiting to be written.
UAA Fan Blog discusses UAA attendence issues among other things. His blog is a year old, so congrats go out to him for that.
In my mind, it's a giant step backwards for college hockey. How do we go from "a penalty is a penalty regardless of situation" to "There always will be judgment in officiating and every situation is not black or white."
The other question is why would they want the game called like the NHL or USA Hockey? The NCAA has come a long way in garnering the respect of NHL clubs, and it would be foolish to throw it all away by gaining the reputation of a clutch and grab league. I've even seen headway made in the USA Hockey rules enforcement. I went to a high school game earlier this season, and yes, there was an almost ridiculous amount of penalties called. But I also went to a game last night, and there was a total of 4 penalties called all game, and while the refs could have maybe called a couple more if they wanted, it was a much faster, cleaner game.
On a related note, there was an interesting interview with Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna where he expressed concern over a lack of scoring. I think it's interesting that scoring went way up in the NHL last season, and the general consensus was the only reason it went up was because there were so many more powerplays, but the NCAA hasn't seen their scoring go up with more penalties being called.
Alberta goalie Brad Eidsness has committed to North Dakota. He'll likely take over for Phillippe Lamoureux next season.
Other commitments of note, according to Chris Heisenberg, include AJHL leading scorer Dustin Sather committing to Alaska, and former Totino-Grace HS(yes, it's named after the pizza roll lady) defenseman Brandon Graffunder, who is playing for Alaska in the NAHL this season.
INCH may not have given in to my campaigning for Travis Morin, but Hockeysfuture.com NCAA writer, and frequent blog reader, D.J. Powers seemingly has. Morin gets an honorable mention in her 10 Hobey Baker candidates.
David Backes made his NHL debut last night for the St. Louis Blues, and got an assist on his first NHL shift.
Adam Wodon features Michigan Tech's Peter Rouleau.
CHN's Blog discusses fighting in college hockey. It's kind of odd. They say there's nothing wrong with a melee breaking out every once in a while in the heat of the moment, as do I, and as do most college hockey fans. Yet gather people's reactions about the fight in the NBA on Saturday night(excluding thoughts on Carmelo's slap-n-dash), and the opinion is pretty much the opposite. It's a Jason Whitlock column just waiting to be written.
UAA Fan Blog discusses UAA attendence issues among other things. His blog is a year old, so congrats go out to him for that.