Kenny writes:
>Since all divisions of the NCAA follow the same NCAA rule book, there
>shouldn't be, and aren't, differences between the various conferences
>(ie. ECAC, Hockey East, etc.).  If a player is injured after being checked
>from behind, the offender will be assessed a major penalty.  And "checking
>from behind" is not a catch-all penalty as you called it.  More often,
>high-sticking, and sometimes interference, are used in that manner.
 
    It is not necessary for the player being hit to be injured in order
    for a major to be assessed.  This is a distinct change in the rules
    that was made this season.  In fact, hitting from behind into the boards
    or net is clearly stated to be grounds for a major and automatic DQ.
    A player hitting from behind in open ice can be given a major if the
    referee considers the act to be violent enough.  (rule 6, section 20)
 
    It is also not true that there cannot be differences between the
    conferences.  They must follow the NCAA rules, but are free in certain
    situations to impose stronger penalties on players for certain actions.
    For example, while the NCAA rules state a player must be suspended for
    X number of games when receiving a DQ (1 for first DQ, 2 for second,
    etc.), Hockey East tacks on an additional game if the DQ was for
    fighting.  This has been in effect for two years now.
 
 
    - mike