USA Hockey has modified its playing rules for the 14-and-under age classification and all younger age classifications (youth and girls) to no longer legalize icing while a team is shorthanded. Beginning with the 2017-18 season, if a team ices the puck while shorthanded, it will result in a whistle followed by a defensive-zone faceoff. The team that commits an icing infraction will be allowed to change lines and/or players prior to the defensive-zone faceoff. This rule is for Bantam (14U) and below.

The rationale behind this rule change is twofold.

First, and most importantly, the change will encourage greater skill development for 10U, 12U and 14U players. These young athletes are in their prime skill development windows and will benefit greatly from the increased emphasis this rule change places on promoting puck possession, puck protection and play-making (as opposed to merely firing the puck down the ice, which is a low-skill tactic). Second, the change prevents a penalized team from gaining an exception to a rule (icing) that is in effect while teams are at even strength.

“We want to encourage players to get their heads up, think and make skillful, intelligent plays,” said Ken Martel, the technical director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model. “To develop problem-solving skills, we need rules that encourage players to think. Modifying the shorthanded icing rule will accomplish that. Rather than just blasting the puck down the ice, they’ll now be encouraged to skate or pass their way out of trouble, use greater touch to chip a puck out, or even take advantage of a lazy power play and go on the attack.”

USA Hockey has successfully used this modified rule for more than 10 years at its National Player Development Camps. Players adapt almost immediately and more shorthanded scoring opportunities are created by the play-making mindset that it nurtures.

“Skill development and play-making is an emphasis at the professional level and it should be an absolute priority at the youth levels, so I support USA Hockey’s decision to change the rule,” said Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach and back-to-back Stanley Cup champion. “It will encourage players to make more skill plays with the puck, and that will help develop their full potential as players.”

GVAHA Co-Hockey Director, Coach Joel Breazeale’s opinion and perspective is the following, “I think this is a great move by MAHA and USAH long-term.” There’s logic in the long-asked question, “why reward a penalized team with something they cannot do while playing 5v5?” He went on to say, “I like the idea and opportunity of creating offensive opportunities while on the penalty kill vs. simply dumping the puck. The teams and coaches who foster this type of thinking will be rewarded for their creativity with momentum swinging goals. The game continues to get more creative, skilled and faster paced. This change certainly should help foster more of the same.”

Developing skill at GVAHA is our main focus and the rule that USA hockey has adopted only solidifies our mission to develop skill before systems at the younger levels. Skating, puck handling, passing, and creative individual/team strategy is needed to play the game these days and GVAHA is right on track.

If you have more questions about this rule change, please feel free to contact our GVAHA Hockey Directors, Jack Williams (email Jack) or Joel Breazeale (email Joel).

Posted in GVAHA News