Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

USA Hockey May Ban Fighting At All Levels

12/19/2013 at 4:52pm EST

from Jeff Z. Klein of the New York Times,

USA Hockey’s board of directors will consider a proposal next month to ban fighting from all levels of amateur hockey in the United States.

Junior A hockey, for 16- to 20-year-olds, is the last remaining level of the game under USA Hockey’s jurisdiction that still tolerates fighting. The push to outlaw fighting is being spurred by a recent spate of serious injuries resulting from fights and concern over the prospect of lawsuits.

“We need to take a firm stand to preserve our sport, prevent catastrophic injury and avoid financial repercussions,” said Dr. Michael J. Stuart, the chief medical officer for USA Hockey, who has been a leader in the effort to ban fighting.

The new rule would punish all fighters with automatic ejection from the game, and instigators with an automatic two-game suspension. It would also give referees more latitude in making decisions to eject players.

The measure will be presented at the organization’s winter meetings Jan. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla.

continued

Create an Account

In order to leave a comment, please create an account.

About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at [email protected]

Most Recent Posts

Most Recent Comments

Comment by Cigar-Nurse in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Quick Recap- Wings/Hurricanes - 12 minutes ago
Comment by bezukov in Abel to Yzerman from the entry The Downward Spiral Continues For The Wings - 1 hour ago
Comment by damndogrevenge in Abel to Yzerman from the entry The Downward Spiral Continues For The Wings - 1 hour ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL Short Notes - 8 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL Short Notes - 8 hours ago