OHL announces rule changes

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE

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OHL Announces Rule Adjustments for 2006-07 Playing Season

The Ontario Hockey League in concert with the Canadian Hockey League today announced that the new National Hockey League rule on stick curvature which was recently adopted by the National Hockey League will not be implemented until next season.

In addition, the Ontario Hockey League has adopted a new rule entitled Checking to the Head effective for the commencement of the 2006-07 playing season.

In making the announcement, Commissioner David Branch stated “prior to the 2002-03 playing season, the Ontario Hockey League introduced a Concussion Management Program for all players in the League and in so doing the League has continued to work towards ensuring the continued safety and welfare of all players including injuries to the head area”.

Rule 48 – Checking to the Head

A minor or a major and game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee based on the degree of impact, shall be assessed to any player who checks an opponent to the head area in any manner.

A match penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent by Checking to the Head.

Note: A hit to the head with a shoulder shall be considered an illegal check and shall be penalized as checking to the head.

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