1994-95 college hockey season sees new rules

College hockey rules will feature a few new wrinkles this year.

If there are matching minor penalties, each team will skate a man short. If another set of matching minors is called, teams can replace those two skaters.

In other words, the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee is saying yes to four-on-four but no to three-on-three.

During the past few seasons, teams were able to replace skaters when coincidental matching minors were assessed, resulting in few four-on-four and three-on-three situations. Several years ago, teams could not replace skaters when matching minors were doled out so there would be several four-on-four and three-on-three situations.

“I like being able to have more four-on-fours,” said Maine coach Shawn Walsh. “It opens up the game. It makes it a better game. It gives the skilled players more room.”

Northeastern University Coach Ben Smith doesn’t like the rule. “It will take kids out of the game,” he said.

One of the knocks on four-on-four and three-on-three hockey is that third and fourth line forwards often missed several shifts.

Meanwhile, the primary point of emphasis is interference. Referees have been instructed to clamp down on players who block out an opponent attempting to forecheck or obtain the puck; interfere in front of the net; hook or hold an opponent not in possession of the puck and hold an opponent’s stick.

“We really emphasized it and every game I’ve seen so far, the referees are calling it just about every time,” said Walsh, who supports the clampdown on interference.

“Nobody wants to see a mugging or see people clog up the neutral zone,” said Walsh. “This will enable the skilled players to exhibit their skills.”

The referees have also been told to continue calling hitting from behind and fighting majors and to assess penalties for abusive language or acts of disrespect.