I remember playing that way in high school.  One thing it does prevent is dumping the puck and
hammering the defenseman who went to retrieve it -- something that is now prevented for by loose
calling of interference.

I also vaguely remember that icing was called from the blue line, not the red line.

Clay

--- Greg Ambrose <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> . . .
> I have another question.  In the not so dark reaches of my memory, I recall
> playing and watching games where there was no checking allowed in the
> offensive zone.  I know the rule existed, and US high school and college
> hockey was scorned upon by Canadians and the NHL because of it, but what was
> the rationale behind the rule?  It seemed to give the defense an unfair
> advantage once the puck was cleared into their zone.  I believe the rule was
> changed in the late 60's or early 70's, true?
>


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