Special DElivery: How to lessen Shanny’s workload

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Welcome to MiHockeyNow’s new blog, starring Darren Eliot. The famed TV analyst and Sports Illustrated columnist will discuss all things hockey in this exclusive blog for Michigan Hockey.

By Darren Eliot –

Not to take face time away from Brendan Shanahan and his seemingly daily on-camera explanation of yet another suspension, but I think I can help clear the clutter for him. More importantly, I believe the solution to this complex issue – what constitutes a legal hit and what is out of bounds in these head strong days of eradicating hits to the head – is simple in its core solution. Better yet, the NHL already has a rule on its books that addresses the issue.

The last paragraph of Rule 81.1 – icing – states, “Any contact between opposing player while pursuing the puck on an icing must be for the sole purpose of playing the puck and not for eliminating the opponent from playing the puck…”  And there you have it: A provision that protects a player from a potentially dangerous and reckless situation, while allowing for contact in the act of playing the puck. Isn’t that goal all over the ice? Instead of splitting hairs with shades of gray and another endless explanation, simply extend that notion to plays all over the ice.

The rationale is basic: Get checking back to what it is all about, which is getting the puck back, while at the same time allowing the speed of the game to progress as the athletes continue to evolve. Forcing defending players to make a play on the puck first will keep sticks on the ice and lower the leverage point of any contact.  Hands are naturally down with the stick on the ice and shoulders are likewise down as part of the skating posture, compared to the rising hands and shoulders in a puck-optional hit. That alone should reduce contact to the head. Also, by thinking of checking in this manner, it allows the puck carrier that all-important extra beat to prepare for contact. If speed is of the essence, then finding a way to give the playmaker a chance to brace is critical.

Beyond that, by making the 81.1 philosophy all encompassing, the NHL could take the lead in promoting proper checking mechanics. That would go a long way in helping USA Hockey in driving home its new mandates pertaining to body contact up until the age of 13. By promoting puck-first pursuit, the youth player learns how to ready for contact. Then, when they enter Bantam hockey, it is instinctual. If the NHL players provided the same example, the game at all levels would benefit.

And Mr. Shanahan could step away from the camera.