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.