You can tell the difference when playing with kids that play high school
or travel and those that play juniors when you skate. The junior players
are more responsible with their sticks, go to any junior 'A' camp and
see that.
 
Personally, I like the rule change. If college hockey is to become more
of a breeding ground for NHL players like the OHL or such, this rule is
necessary in making the game more similar to the pro game by giving
players the same responsibilities, even if it in something as small as
the use of their sticks.
 
Craig Roberts wrote:
>
> Responding to the message of
> <[log in to unmask]>
> from Adam Wodon <[log in to unmask]>:
> >
> > > Emphasize the penalty for diving and unanimously support less facial
> > > protection ... real good NCAA ice hockey rules committee.
> >
> > The coaches have regularly and unanimously voted to get rid of the full
> > shield ... I remember when this topic came up at the 1997 Final Four at Jack
> > Parker was vehement about his disapproval of the full shield.
> >
> > The coaches contend the full shield has done much more to cause injury than
> > prevent it, because players are more reckless. It's a complicated issue.
> >
> > AW
> >
>
> I firmly believe that players have much less respect for their stick when
> everyone has a full cage/shield.
>
> I had a conversation with Ben Clymer last fall about the subject (for those of
> you who don't know who he is, he left Minnesota early to play major junior in
> Seattle).  He said he does a lot less talking now than he did in college as well
> as being more aware of where his stick is.
>
> Yes, there will probably be the odd cut from an accidental stick or puck to the
> face but there are other injuries that will be reduced. When you know it could
> be you getting whacked in the head or put face-first into the boards, you think
> twice about what you're doing. I think the change is for the better.
>
> Just my two cents.
>
> -----Craig
>
> --------------------------------------
> Craig Roberts, University of Minnesota
> Assistant Sports Information Director
> Phone: (612) 624-0522     Fax: (612) 624-8018
> Check out the Gophers on the Web at http://www.gophersports.com
> Or call the Diet Coke Gopher Sports Hotline at (612) 626-STAT
> GO GOPHERS!
>
> For women's college hockey statistics go to:
> http://www.gophersports.com/sportsNews/press_release.asp?news_id=273
>
> HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
> [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.
 
--
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Derek Michael Hodgins
Columbia Design, Co.
[log in to unmask]
http://www.cyberhole.com
 
Syracuse University
Student-Aerospace Engineering
SU Ice Hockey Club
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HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.