Kukla's Korner Hockey
“Clean” Head Hits
by Paul on 10/30/08 at 08:39 AM ET
Comments (0)
from Scott Morrison at Sun Media,
The problem remains, though, that the easy answer isn’t the answer that is easy to sell at the pro level, meaning not everyone is convinced that an automatic penalty for a hit to the head, regardless of the intent, as they do in Ontario junior hockey, is the way to go.
Fact is, a year ago, the NHL’s general managers decided it wasn’t the way to go. When they debated the situation last winter, when there were several more injuries, all agreed they didn’t like to see players getting hurt, but that hockey is also a physical game.
The question was asked, because the league has taken away low hits. If it eliminated hits to the upper body, what would be left?
So, it was decided that as long as the hits to the head are accidental and not a head hunt, then it’s part of the game and players best keep their’s up.
added 8:50am, from Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald,
In simpler times, Darryl (Sutter), 50, figures Weight would have held up for fear of the inevitable retribution coming his way.
Maybe not on the same shift. Maybe not in the same period. But, at some point, retribution would arrive.
“The game has changed a little bit,” he said. “That’s a legal hit. The player had his head down and he got hit. But would it have happened when we were all playing? Probably not.
“Because that player knew if he was going to do that, it was going to be a long night for him. That’s the difference.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, NHL Talk, NHL Officiating | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
Be the first to comment.
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
NHL Network And NHL.com Stanley Cup Final Coverage
Rick Dudley Named Assistant GM In Montreal
A Slap On The Wrist For The Coyotes?
John Davidson Wants To Stay In St. Louis, But Will He?
Could The Canucks’ Dressing Room Be Divided?
About KK Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Make extra cash while playing online poker. Rakeback is free and comes with rake races.
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.