Much like the NFL, the National Hockey League front office is attempting to curb dangerous hits to the head. There have already been a few instances this season in which questionable hits have been called more sternly, and the NHL is attempting to clear up a gray area in terms of open-ice hits.
We will see if both the NHL and NFL are successful in enforcing current defensive mentalities that are costing many players games lost due to head injuries.
The NHL in recent years has taken steps to curb two earlier problems with hard-hitting—charging and checking from behind. When a player leaves his feet to hit somebody or stride forcefully into a check, that is charging.
Most egregious aggressors are penalized with five minutes, a game misconduct, and face suspension. Checking from behind is exactly how it sounds. It still happens to this day but facing a five minute major, players are more mindful when they see opposing jersey numbers facing them.
The most recent example took place in a game on Sunday at Anaheim. Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan, after losing the puck in the offensive zone, hit Ducks forward Dan Sexton in the neutr ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Paddy Miller
Hits to the Head: NHL Tries To Set Precedent Against Dangerous Plays
October 19th, 2010 by Paddy Miller Leave a reply »
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