>> I've never heard of such an exception to the off-sides rule.   I
> >thought that rule was iron-clad -- the puck MUST precede any and all
> >attacking players.  Any comments from our hockey rules experts???
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> Dr. Stephen E. Roth              [log in to unmask]
>
>The rules state "A player in full control of the puck who crosses the
>blue line ahead of the puck shall not be considered offsides."  1997
>NCAA Rule Book, page 69 Section 32 b NOTE.
>
>On page 75, "Control of the puck" is defined as the act of propelling
>the puck with the stick.  Hence, most refs/linesmen use the
>rule-of-thumb, if the puck is on the tape when the player crosses the
>blue line, then he/she is in control of the puck.
 
I'm glad someone quoted the rule book, because I would have thought
otherwise. Reflecting on the many games that I've attended (college & pro),
I can honestly say that I don't recall EVER seeing a skater with control of the
puck cross the blue line backwards.  I could see it happening if a player had
to try & deke a defenseman who was standing them up at the line.  Or, if a
player was skating backwards along the line waiting for the puck from a
teammate, then getting control just before they crossed the line first (so that
their backward momentum carried them in before the puck).  And I'm sure
there are other possibilities as well.  I just don't recall noticing any of
them.
 
I think having been brought to my attention, I'll actually look more closely
for this in the future.  I wonder what the refs will call... ;-)
 
Dave Hatfield
UML'86
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