(#439) Reacting to the proposed changes by the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee

Canisius head coach Trevor Large was named the new committee chair at meetings this week

Photo: Jeff Fulton (@D3HockeyJeff)

The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee met over the last three days in Indianapolis and proposed changes to the rules on checking from behind, head contact, and more.

The rule proposals — which are generally rubber-stamped — need to be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which will meet on June 6 to discuss hockey proposals.

"The committee believes these important rules are having the intended impact to reduce dangerous contact from the game," said Erik Martinson, deputy athletics director at North Dakota and chair of the committee. "Our coaches and game officials indicated strong support for these adjustments. We believe the proposed changes will make these important safety rules stronger and more effective."

At the end of the meetings, Canisius head coach Trevor Large was named the new chair of the rules committee.

Here’s some of the changes, and my reactions to them.