New Official's Standard for 2008-09

The Central Hockey League made an effort in the off-season to review the quality of the game and to take steps to keep on par with standards consistent with the sport of hockey at all levels.  One of those areas dealt with officiating and the increasing tolerance for stick work, specifically on the puck carrier.

“Players are taught at the junior and college levels to skate and not hook and hold the puck carrier,” said Wayne Bonney, the CHL’s Supervisor of Officials.  “The players know how to do it, they just have to commit themselves to doing it.”

The changes, voted on by the CHL’s Board of Governors, focused on cleaning up play as it relates to the puck carrier.  Any player hooking, holding or tripping the player with the puck will be called for a minor penalty regardless of location on the ice or situation of the game. 

In summary, a hook on the puck carrier in the first period is a hook on the puck carrier in the third period or overtime.

The result of the new standard is more penalties being called in the CHL through the first 40 games.  Last season at this time, 1867 minutes were called in the 40 games played (23.34/game).  This season, there has been 2523 penalty minutes called for an average of 31.54 minutes per game.  The difference in called minor penalties is 839-676 (there are 17 more majors than a year ago as well).

“Change sometimes takes some time for people to adapt but we are confident that the players will adjust and the fans as well,” continues Bonney.  These players have great skill and if you watch games in the NHL and AHL, it is the speed that the players are allowed to showcase that makes the game so great.  You don’t want to see your stars hooked without penalty preventing them from showing their abilities.”

With the number of penalty calls up, the number of power play goals and scoring is up as well.  This time last year, there were 96 PP goals, this season there are 144 (1.2 more per game).  There have been 19 more goals scored (296-277) from last year to this year, less than a half-goal per game.

To help the fans, clips of the standard and what officials are looking for is available online.

Clip #1

Clip #2

Clip #3