Friday, March 26, 2010
Associated Press
NEW YORK
Blindside hits to the head are a thing of the past in the NHL.
The executive board of the players’ union voted Thursday to accept a new temporary rule that will ban hits to the head against unsuspecting players. The decision took effect with the league’s Thursday games.
“We believe this is the right thing to do for the game and for the safety of our players,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “The elimination of these types of hits should significantly reduce the number of injuries, including concussions, without adversely affecting the level of physicality in the game.”
The rule prohibits “lateral, back-pressure or blindside hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact.” The league will have the power to review hits and apply further discipline.
The union’s representatives on the competition committee signed off on the ban Wednesday. It was then left to the union’s board to accept or reject the recommendation.
The rule is in effect through this year’s playoffs. The competition committee is expected to meet during the summer to create a permanent rule that will also include an on-ice penalty instead of solely punishment after the fact.
“We are encouraged by the league’s recent willingness to explore on-ice rule changes as a means of reducing player injuries and have no doubt that by working together, a safer working environment can be established for all NHLPA members,” the union said in a statement.
After Wednesday’s recommendation by the players’ association members on the competition committee to accept the ban, the union said its executive board would vote within two days. It acted swiftly Thursday to agree to the new rule.