IceCat hockey players will face a tough task adjusting to new rule enforcement when they open their season tonight (Oct. 6, 2006) against UNLV.
Following the success of the NHL in changing its standard of rule enforcement, USA Hockey and the American Collegiate Hockey Association have decided to change the way their rules are enforced.
Players can no longer hook and hold one another. Before, officials turned a blind eye to much of the clutch and grab that occurred during games. Now, interference with a player who does not have the puck will result in a penalty.
'There are no rule changes,' said IceCat coach Ed Gantt. 'There is now an emphasis on enforcement. It is basically, read the rule book and take it seriously.'
The changes are meant to open up the game and make it faster, more fun to watch. The NHL game had become clogged up by all the players taking penalties that were never called.
'The NHL had slowed down,' said Gantt. 'It was still fun to watch, but not as fun.'
At the NHL level, the rule enforcement changes last season resulted in a large increase in penalties and power plays. It also led to an almost one point per game increase in goals. Fans loved the speedier pace of the games and came back after an entire season was forfeited to a lockout.
This season the IceCats face the same higher standard of enforcement as NHL players did.
The IceCats feel these changes are tailor-made for their style of play.
'We have a more skilled, quicker team,' said BYU law student and IceCats captain James Burkart. 'We have the guys to capitalize on special teams, especially the power play.'
Other IceCats feel the same level of optimism about the changes.
'I'll be able to make room for myself,' said sophomore defenseman Beau Adams. 'Guys who can wheel and deal will benefit.'
'If you burn somebody, they can't hook you to make up ground,' said junior forward Mike Nathan.
Most of the players are looking forward to the faster pace and higher scoring.
'Their will be more open ice,' said sophomore forward Aaron Dommer. 'Skill will be an advantage. The rule changes will make me better.'
There are some on the team who are more wary of the changes in rule enforcement, however.
'The biggest difference will be defensively,' said junior defenseman Bret Styers. 'We'll have to learn to play the body with hits. We can't just be cheap and use our sticks.'
Styers added that defensemen will have to develop into faster, more agile players. They will also get more opportunities to skate the puck, which he feels plays into his game as an offensive defenseman.
Nathan shares Styers' concern about defense.
'Backchecking will be a lot harder,' Nathan said. 'You can't just hook them. You have to play your position.'
The changes also will affect the way Gantt selects players for the team and coaches.
'I have to look for speedier players,' said Gantt. 'We are going to focus on special teams and quick transitions, but there is only so much you can do in practice. We will have to see how it goes in the first game and adjust from there.'