This is not intended to be a criticism of officials, because we all know they are nice guys who are just trying to earn a living. What I have observed during 20 years of hockey at Ferris State is a difference of interpretation of what constitutes a fight. Some players (from certain teams who I do not need to mention) are allowed the complementary "sucker punch" after the whistle based on their stature. Other players are disqualified for the same thing. If you read the rules, a punch is a fight. If this is strictly enforced, there are going to be a lot of star players sitting out 3 games or the season. I guess my greatest concern is the new WCHA rule may actually discourage officials from brooming a playerfor throwing a punch or two. Imagine the wrath of a coach if his big winger was thrown out for the season. Instead of cleaning up fighting, this rule may put too much pressure on the officials to penalize cheap shots. What we'll likely see are a bundle of double minors for roughing. HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.