I must agree with Coach Walsh on this. Having seen games when the old
rule operated (which allowed these situations on most coincidental minors)
and games after the change, I think the former situation leads to a much more
exciting game. Ironically, the supposedly stodgy NHL went the opposite way
when college hockey stopped taking men off the ice on coincidental penalties.
I think this will allow teams to show their skills as well as stressing good
fundamentals. As for a shootout, I'm less sure, but I must admit that it
certainly adds much more excitement to games. (See the IHL, or the Can-Ger
shootout in Albertville, for examples.) This might even help fill rinks at
some of the schools which don't sell out now. It may be worth doing on a
trial basis. Perhaps a tournament or two during the season (GLI, etc.) could
try it and see how it works out.
I don't want to start an argument, but I'll defend John by saying that I
think he posted the excerpt from the Fischler column (which I saw in THN)
merely to inform those who don't get the Hockey News what Fischler said, with-
out the intent to agree or disagree with Fischler's statement. Maybe I'm
mistaken in this impression, and if I am, I apologize. [See, Spartan fans can
stick up for Wolverine fans on occasion!]
Thanks, Coach, for your input.
--Chris Paine
MSU '90, '93, UK '96?
P. S. Nice to see that honesty and integrity can be rewarded, as it was in
Knoxville last night.
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