Convinced that the detailed directive to on-ice hockey officials has been a success so far, representatives of the six Division I ice hockey conferences, the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee and the NCAA expressed continued support for the rules initiative on a conference call Tuesday.
All constituencies vowed to see that coaches, players, and officials adhere to the specifics of the two-page statement first issued in the fall.
“One major point in our initial statement was to stay the course and adhere to a strict standard of enforcement all year, not just for the first month or two,” said Rico Blasi, head coach at Miami and chair of the Ice Hockey Rules Committee. “We want to make it clear that the standard will be kept up through the end of the season. Otherwise, the hard work and improvements we have seen in the game will be lost.”
The commissioners of the six conferences all expressed support for the continued enforcement of the statement made prior to the season.
“There is no question that the initiative is beginning to have a positive impact on the game,” said Tom Anastos, commissioner of the CCHA. “All parties involved –- coaches, players, officials and fans -– have made every effort to adjust, and as a result, we are seeing a better quality game. The most important part now is to stay the course.”
