USA Junior Hockey Magazine

NHL giving game back to fans

By Chuck Grillo

In regards to the “new” NHL, there is no question in my mind that the elimination of the two-line pass is a step in the right direction. I see the NHL as more of a culture than a league, and, in many situations, change is difficult and takes time.

There are too many people calling hockey “our game” when it really belongs to the people who pay to watch the games – the fans.  Those same people who call it “our game” will have more success calling it “your game,” because the fans are the most important ingredient.

I’ve always felt that some of the college rules would lead to more entertainment in the NHL in terms of speed and scoring. Eliminating the two-line pass and creating more space behind the net are two prime examples.

The use of the net as a “teammate” is a forgotten skill.  I think the red line should be used for icing only.  These two moves should eliminate hooking, locking on and holding that was so prevalent in the “old” NHL.

The talent level in the league will be upgraded because more skill players will be needed to replace the slower players who would find it difficult to compete with the faster forwards and rushing defensemen in the neutral zone.  Goaltenders will find it more difficult to leave their net to make plays.  Puck-handling goaltenders lend excitement to the game and this skill needs to be exposed, touted and recognized.

The NHL has been successful getting the minor leagues to experiment, but it’s also in a position to get the junior leagues and colleges together with one set of rules that, if they could get the international community to accept, would be an instant call for enthusiasm.

The last time I looked, the goal of every young man in leagues throughout the world was to play in the NHL, so why not bring everyone together?  This may seem impossible, but I believe that an open-minded NHL can be a leader because their assistance and compensation policies give them bargaining power, along with having the highest-level players competing for the most coveted prize in sports - the Stanley Cup.

Bring back the "tag-up" offsides rule and you’ll see some exciting transition plays with no red line. Allow subtle picks and you’ll see some unbelievable offensive work down low in the offensive zone and on breakouts.  The Mario Lemieux's of the world will be free to do what they do best, and that’s to entertain the people who pay to watch the games.

Certain things in life make sense.  The NHL leading the rest of the hockey world with common-sense rule changes in an effort to improve the game is one of them. The NHL looks like it’s interested in giving the game back to the players with the ability to excite the fans.