The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Can the magic spread from the NHL to the SJHL with the implemented rule changes? That question will eventually be answered by officials and players in the league. Why? Because both play large roles in the end result. The NHL made sure their officials didn't slack on making calls and for the most part, they did well. Only a minority of fans voiced displeasure that too many calls were being made. Maybe that was true, but if the players adapted to the rules, there wouldn't be a problem. When the NHL returned to the hockey scene after a year on holidays, it came back with plenty of excitement. The endangered species otherwise known as 50-goal scorers and 100-point producers returned. Very few people could deny that the game wasn't better. Following the SJHL's annual general meeting last weekend, an e-mail announced the league will follow the NHL's new changes by working with Hockey Canada's 2006-07 Rule Emphasis/Standard of Play guideline. This should be good news for the ears of fans. Like the NHL, it will be interesting to see the adjustment that SJHL players have to make. One thing to keep an eye on is if it will result in players hitting the century point mark. The changes placed a greater importance in having speedy, skilled players. Big players also had an advantage because they could camp out in front of the net without being mauled. Edmonton's Ryan Smyth returned to his 30-plus goal form. Some credit also goes to the NHL's competition committee led by Brendan Shanahan. The changes also made the game challenging for goalies like Martin Brodeur, who struggled at first. Unexpectedly, the fighters were practically wiped out, minus the skilled ones. Because the SJHL is a development league, it's hard to know if fighters will have a lesser role. The possibility of Junior A hockey reaping the same benefits the best league in the world does has to be exciting. It's also the smart thing to do because players will be better prepared if they make that leap. It's the same as farm teams using the same system as their NHL team. It makes the transition easier for players. Shootout The league also announced they will implement the shootout, eliminating ties. If the game is still tied after a five minute 4-on-4 overtime, then the shootout will follow. I think this is great for the league. I found while watching the NHL that I preferred they skip overtime. The shootout brought excitement to the game and allowed fans to see goals that players during a game would never score. Remember Marik Malik's between-the-legs highlight reel goal? Knowing these changes will happen will make fans want the season to be right around the corner.
