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NHL Introduces New Rule after Brutal Skate Incident with Official

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Tom Banks
March 21, 2024  (2:32 PM)
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The NHL has now introduced a new rule after one official was brutally cut by a skate during a game.

In a recent matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild, an official was unfortunately cut by a skate, and the league has wasted absolutely no time in implementing a new rule.

While the league can only recommend other rule changes, this one takes place immediately, as the NHL have now told players that they can't sit on the boards while waiting for a line-change as a direct result of the injury suffered by the official.

Effective immediately, players can't sit on boards awaiting line changes. A team will get warning first, then refs will be instructed to apply penalty that's already in rulebook. NHL feels it's not good hockey + dangerous. Linesman was cut by skate in Wild-WPG game by a Jet

This was one of many rule changes the NHL have either made or recommended making, and while the others may not be great ideas, this one makes sense, as it's an easy way to avoid another injury.

The official involved in the incident appears to be okay, and while it may slow down changes for teams, it's a simple move to ensure more safety, and will likely be one that doesn't take too much time for players and coaches to adjust too.

Following the passing of Adam Johnson, it is clear that the league will need to focus on these changes going forward. The only way to prevent any other injuries or tragedies is to make sure players and referees are protected - it is the duty of the league.

Hopefully we will soon be watching a league that is far safer than it was before.

As Read on Puck Reporter - NHL Implements New Rule Change Following Dangerous Skate Cut Incident

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MARS 21   |   70 ANSWERS
NHL Introduces New Rule after Brutal Skate Incident with Official

Was this new rule change from the NHL the right move?

Yes4868.6 %
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