1) There has been an ongoing/long debate in the hockey world concerning the institution of the so-called no-touch icing. The rule that there is automatic icing without a player having to come back to 'make the touch' thus ostensibly making it safer for players. Even usually conservative voices like Don Cherry have been outspoken about this issue; calling for the rule change. The issue again came to light recently in an exhibition game between Edmonton and Minnesota. An Oilers prospect, defenseman Taylor Fedun suffered a season ending leg injury when he fell awkwardly into the boards, apparently when he was knocked off stride by Wild forward Eric Nystrom as they pursued the puck. Fedun was trying to touch the puck to get the icing call, Nystrom to prevent it.
2) One of the best hockey bloggers, and whom we at Fauxrumors respect, Lyle Richardson(Spector) recently did his 'Soap Box" on this very issue. His point was that the race for an iced puck is needless and potentially hazardous to players. He goes on to list not only the aforementioned example in Edmonton, but also several from the past. He goes on to cite that almost all European leagues and college leagues have already instituted the rule. Sorry Lyle we respectfully disagree. Its too easy to have a knee-jerk response to the unfortunate injury Mr Fedun suffered.
3) We don't believe the facts support a whole sale change in the current rules. Its not like we’re having guys go down with injuries every other week on this. The vast majority of the cases he cited occurred proior to the change, and the current limited contact rule now in effect. I think the current system that dissuades body contact on an icing but preserves the ability of teams to hustle and avoid the call is proper. Since the current rule was enacted how many serious injuries have resulted? Please don’t give me the pat answer of “one is too many”. I hate automatic icing. Its boring and needless. Hockey is a fast paced, dangerous game. If you want to prevent injuries why not eliminate all body contact totally? You’ll sure to see a precipitous decline in injuries (along with TV ratings).
3 comments:
You can't say that "one is too many" is invalid when talking about injuries because one IS too many. Any injury resulting from an icing is an unnecessary injury. Automatic icing is boring? So are 90% of icing plays. More than that, "automatic icing is boring" is not a valid argument against "i broke my motherf*cking femur on a stupid icing play". And yes, hockey is a dangerous game, but there should be absolutely no danger coming from the simple act of skating.
1) The "simple act of skating" is what ICE hockey is all about GD, no?
2) Over the weekend we watched about 2 dozen plays where two players competed to degate or confirm an icing call. In 1/3 the player was able to make it in time, stopping a needless stoppage and the players respected the rules to avoid contact.
3) We're not seeing this part of the game resulting in multiple injuries so its ludicrous to make a huge change to a long standing rule
"1) The "simple act of skating" is what ICE hockey is all about GD, no?"
Is there a point there? I'd love to debate it, but you've given no point at all.
"2) Over the weekend we watched about 2 dozen plays where two players competed to degate or confirm an icing call. In 1/3 the player was able to make it in time, stopping a needless stoppage and the players respected the rules to avoid contact."
Terrific. In the preseason I watched a player have his FEMUR BROKEN ON AN ICING PLAY.
And it WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THAT HAS HAPPENED. Ask any guy who has had his FEMUR BROKEN ON AN ICING PLAY or anyone who has been on the ice when a player had his FEMUR BROKEN ON AN ICING PLAY -and heard the SCREAMS OF PAIN- if he is for or against no-touch icing.
"3) We're not seeing this part of the game resulting in multiple injuries so its ludicrous to make a huge change to a long standing rule"
Ludicrous? You're ludicrous. Your argument is ludicrous.
Not every icing results in an injury, but EVERY TIME someone gets injured on an icing call it is a pretty serious one and a completely needless one.
This isn't about eliminating body contact totally, it's about preventing needless injuries.
Wow, having icing as it is prevents some extra stoppages in play. And having icing as it is results in players having their FEMUR BROKEN ON AN ICING PLAY.
To be against no-touch icing is to be an unreasonable person.
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