NCAA rules committee proposes changes for upcoming season

By Michael Caples –

Faceoffs, penalty shots and a “lookup line” are the hot topics proposed by the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee during their yearly examination of the game.

The group, led by Michigan State coach Tom Anastos, approved nine changes for the upcoming season, focusing on continuing the competitive advantage for teams taking faceoffs in the offensive zone, adjusting the policies surrounding shootouts, and the option for teams to implement a warning track-like line surrounding the ice surface to use as a warning system in the hopes of avoiding injuries in bodychecking.

“I would say that, generally, we dissected our game and ultimately believe our current rules are serving us well,” Anastos said in a release. “We continue to work to find ways to improve our game long-term, but I would say we’re pleased with where we are right now.”

The rules will all have to be approved by Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which will meet on July 16.

The release also indicated that there are still discussions taking place about the use of visors instead of full face masks, but no decision has been made.

“We are trying to be sure we help to collect data from any source that can be compared to NCAA data,” Anastos said about the visor debate. “The process has been challenging, but we will continue to work with leagues that use the shield so we can make an informed proposal if appropriate. We just don’t have enough information at this point.”

Here are the rules that NCAA hockey could go forward next season:

Hand Pass by Faceoff Player: The players taking a faceoff are not allowed to use their hand to play the puck. A violation of this rule will result in a minor penalty, similar to the NHL rule.
Faceoff Procedure: The defending team’s faceoff player shall be required to put the stick down first. Previously, the attacking team was required to do so. Center ice faceoffs will continue to require the visiting team to put the stick down first.
Goal pegs: 10-inch goal pegs that are anchored into the ice or floor must be in place at all NCAA levels by the 2016-17 season.
Faceoff Location: Offensive Scoring Opportunity: If the offensive team is attempting to score and the puck goes out of play, the faceoff will remain in the attacking zone.
Faceoff Location: High stick/hand pass: In these cases, the ensuing faceoff will be one zone closer to offending team’s goal.
Video Replay: Several changes were made to the criteria for allowing video replay and the process followed:
• It is reviewable to determine if a goal was scored before a penalty occurred.
• If an offsides or too many men on the ice penalty is missed and a goal is scored, it is reviewable until the puck leaves the offensive zone. This replaces the previous wording that only allowed the review to occur if the missed play directly led to a goal.
• It was clarified that video review may be used without the restriction of games that are being broadcast on television.
Penalty Shot/Shootout: During a shootout or penalty shot, if the goal becomes dislodged by the goalkeeper, the referee shall either award a goal (if intentional or if the goal was obvious and imminent) or allow the team to shoot again.
Penalty Shot: If a player awarded a penalty shot is injured and unable to take the shot, one of the players on the ice at the time of the infraction shall be chosen to shoot.
Look-Up Line: The committee approved the use of a warning-track style line intended to positively impact safety near the boards. The use of this line will not be mandatory, but is permissible.