Hockey, for Better or Worse

OK, so we now have a proposal that will attempt to address blindside hits to the head in the National Hockey League.

Great, and that is said both relief and sarcasm. First, I'm trying to imagine why it has taken this long to say that blindside hits to the head were not considered illegal in the first place.

The whole idea of players being respectful of other players is out the window on this one. It's as obvious as the crooked, much abused nose on my face that this should have been an easy call to make by NHL general managers (who are meeting in Florida this week), on-ice officials and all coaches and players.



But, OK, a policy has been proposed. According to TSN.ca, ""A lateral, back pressure or blindside hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and or the principal point of contact is not permitted. A violation of the above will result in a minor or major penalty and shall be reviewed for possible supplemental discipline."

Makes sense. Just as Don Cherry's stop signs on the back on sweaters do for those who cannot seem to understand that hitting somebody from behind when they are along or dangerously close to the boards is just wrong. I guess teaching against these things has gone out of fashion. Too bad for Boston's Marc Savard, the most recent player to absorb a blindside blast to the head.

Finger-pointing time is now over in the Lounge. Get the new policy in place for next season and make it work. As for this season, well, we can always hope for common sense and respect to kick in soon.

Speaking of respect, I am full of respect for the Minnesota boys state high school hockey tournament. Mahtomedi took the opening game of the Class A tournament, defeating Alexandria by 7-1. Three more games to go today, all being streamed live for free on 45.GrandStadium.tv. And the Class AA event begins on Thursday, with Edina and Roseau getting the first shifts on the ice, starting at noon Eastern.

Look for the results as part of the Lounge's daily spreadsheet.

And now look for me to make a snacks run before the second period of the Hermantown/Virginia-Mountain Iron-Buhl game begins.