ECHL governors approve rule change

September 23, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners News Release


PHOENIX, Ariz. - The ECHL Board of Governors held its Preseason Meeting on Thursday in Atlanta, Ga. Upon the recommendation of the Rules Committee, the Board approved the adoption of the following new rules for 2005-06:

* Passes from behind the defensive blue line to the attacking blue line will be considered legal. The center red line will be ignored for purposes of the "two-line pass".

* A team that ices the puck cannot make a line change prior to the ensuing face-off.

* Dimensions of goaltender equipment will be reduced by approximately 11 percent, including a one-inch reduction in the width of leg pads to 11 inches as well as reducing the size of the blocking glove, upper-body protector, pants, and jersey. Goaltenders in the ECHL must be in compliance with the new regulations no later than December 15, 2005, the same date mandated by the American Hockey League.

* Goaltenders may play the puck behind the goal line only in a trapezoid-shaped area defined by lines that being six feet from either goal post and extend diagonally to points 28 feet apart at the endboards. Goaltenders that play the puck behind the goal line but outside the designated puck-handling area will be penalized for delay of game.

* Any player who shoots the puck directly over the glass in his defending zone will be penalized for delay of game.

The Rules Committee recommended the league work with the on-ice officiating staff to tighten the standards for the three main areas of obstruction. The league will closely monitor the new obstruction standard being applied in the NHL and the AHL.

The ECHL has had the "tag-up rule" for several seasons, which permits play to continue if offensive players who preceded the puck into the zone return to the blue line and "tag" it.

The ECHL will continue to use "no-touch" icing and will continue to use five shooters in the shootout.

As expected, the Board unanimously approved the Voluntary Suspension request of the Mississippi Sea Wolves for 2005-06 under the league's hardship provisions as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The Sea Wolves reported to the Board that they were informed on Thursday that the Mississippi Coast Coliseum has been declared structurally sound and that the team fully intends to return for the 2006-07 season. The ECHL will release the revised 2005-06 playing schedule next week.

RoadRunners professional hockey returns to downtown Phoenix at 7PM on Saturday, October 22 when the Utah Grizzlies visit America West Arena in the ECHL season opener for both teams. Season tickets for all 36 home games are on sale now and start as low as $252. For more information call (602) 462-GOAL, or visit www.phxroadrunners.com.



ECHL Stories from September 23, 2005


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