Three-quarter shields may replace full facemasks in college

[Falcon Fanatic]

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/05/01/s ... ge-hockey/

One of the things discussed in the coach's meetings last week. The other big discussion was a 4 on 4 overtime like they use in the NHL. Coaches prefer the facemask change, but were 50-50 on the 4 on 4 OTs. Thoughts?

[BGDrew]

I like the shields. If we're talking about the NCAA becoming a feeder league for the NHl you'd like to see the equipment and rules line up with that. It's true that with the full cage Players really don't care about high sticks and head hunting because they think they can't hurt or be hurt. Improving the players depth of perception is an even bigger advantage to going to the 3/4.

As far as overtime goes I don't see how 4's are going to really improve anything other than lining up with the NHL. Put me in the "Don't mind ties" category.

[transfer2BGSU]

Put me in the "Don't mind ties" category.

A tie is like kissing your sister.

Blech!

[Redwingtom]

I guess I never really bought the "If they don't wear helmets (or full facemasks) the players will be more careful with high sticks" argument. There's still a plethora of high-sticking penalties in the NHL!

I like the new visor requirement rule. I think the NCAA probably drug their feet in the past more so from a financial issue as I think the cages were more prevalent and the visors would have added to budgets. I don't think that can be much of an issue now.

I really don't care what they do with the OT. I like shoot-outs, but the extra point for them is stupid IMO. So I guess 4-4 should result in fewer of them...so I guess I'm for that too

[Flipper]

I don't watch much NCAA...but when I do it's Dos Eqquis...no...when I do I'm stunned at how high the sticks get compared to the NHL. There's still too much stickwork at that level, but it seems like every time guys come together in the NCAA the sticks are up. If going to shields brings the sticks down a touch and leads to cleaner hockey, I'm all for it.

[Lord_Byron]

I'll take the contrarian position here, not so much because I care, but only to point out another view.

If the sticks are getting too high, it's mostly out of habit. These guys have played with full shields since they started in pee-wees all the way through high school. They've never had a reason to keep the sticks down.

I'm not sure changing the shield will result in different behavior. It will most likely result in more lacerations due to habitual high stickedness.

Also, I couldn't care less about aligning with the NHL since the vast majority of these guys won't play there anyway-- we're here to educate student athletes and the AHL is a fine place for players to get used to a different face guard if they are so inclined.

[pdt1081]

I'll take the contrarian position here, not so much because I care, but only to point out another view.

If the sticks are getting too high, it's mostly out of habit. These guys have played with full shields since they started in pee-wees all the way through high school. They've never had a reason to keep the sticks down.

I'm not sure changing the shield will result in different behavior. It will most likely result in more lacerations due to habitual high stickedness.

Also, I couldn't care less about aligning with the NHL since the vast majority of these guys won't play there anyway-- we're here to educate student athletes and the AHL is a fine place for players to get used to a different face guard if they are so inclined.

The players use half shields in Juniors, so the sticks up high are not the result of old habits. To me, it seems anything less than full cages/shields will lead to more costs to teams. Dental work is not cheap

I've been against everything but normal play for overtime since the NHL started making changes. 5 players get you to overtime, I see zero reason to make overtime any different. If there absolutely must be a winner for every game played, the system used should not be changed for playoffs. If shootouts are OK for regular season they should be used for the playoffs. The rules used to determine the regular season should not be changed to decide a champion.

[Flipper]

Your stick belongs on the ice where the puck is...any change that will eventually lead to that simple concept being supported is OK by me. If there's a learning curve with it...so be it.

[BGDrew]

So stick lifts to steal the puck are wrong?

[Flipper]

Yes...as are the Irish

[pdt1081]

Your stick belongs on the ice where the puck is...any change that will eventually lead to that simple concept being supported is OK by me. If there's a learning curve with it...so be it.

NHL players that have been playing without cages for 10+ years have trouble keeping their sticks on the ice.

[Flipper]

Look...I'm just quoting Howie Meeker...

[Falcon1970]

The EJHL is for sake of argument the only jr league that requires cages, because they follow the NCAA rules. Should this change they will be altering as well in a mirror. The only group this will not impact are those players under 18, who are required, even in Jr's. Next the number of kids who jump right from HS to NCAA d1 is so small they are not worth having in the conversation (for the person playing devils advocate, I understand your intended angle, but its just not valid enough). A 3/4 visor is a silly step, they should let stand at 1/2 which is again what most all wear in Jr's, which should also be honestly carried over to all USA 18u leagues as well, which includes High School. I am surprised they are not allowing goalies to go back to the cat eye, as part of this conversation. It needs to happen.

OT- Should be one period of 5v5, long change. Anything less is not hockey. Shoot outs have no place in hockey, they are an insult to the sport, a kin to having a long snapper, holder and kicker go out on a football field alone, and determine tie football games with kicking contest. BORING, and in no way representing the sport.

[BGDrew]

Cat eye masks actually aren't illegal. It is only recommended that goalies not utilize them. With that said individual schools may decide to ban them for liability reasons.

I don't like shoot outs but the last thing I would describe them as is boring. With that said an all-star game sideshow act shouldn't determine a game.

[Falcon1970]

Cat eye cages are NOT HECC or CSA certified and are NOT allowable in NCAA, and USA hockey, or Canadian hockey games. It is not a matter of not being "banned", its a matter of not being certified. They will never be as a stick blade, or butt has the errand potential of enter the opening. Has never happened, is not likely to ever happen, but will not ever pass certification.
There is an HECC, CSA certified cat eye, which has an additional (vision impairing) bar in the center, often confused as being a "cat eye".