Someone asked what the purpose of the rules for high sticking the puck
and allowing hand passes in the defensive zone were.  I'll give them a
try.
 
High sticking the puck is not allowed because of the rule about
carrying the stick over shoulder height.  The reason it is not allowed
(IMO) is because of the injury potential of high sticks.  (although
this is not as bad as it used to be before facemasks were mandatory).
Even now, anyone who has ever caught a stick in the neck feels it for
quite a while.  The purpose it to make players responsible for where
their sticks are at all times, and shoulder height is a pretty
convenient place to look for officials.
 
The hand pass being allowed in the defensive zone was explained for me
by Dominic Legrasso, (referee in chief of the North American Junior
Hockey League) at the NAJHL officials camp this year as another effort
to speed up the game.  Apparently, the powers that be think of a hand
pass as being a valid defensive play but not a valid offensive play,
and therefore only allow it in the defensive zone.
 
Brett Quencer
Clarkson '88
Mich. St. '93 (?)
 
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