June 6, 2008

Indianapolis, Ind. - Click here for complete story)

The NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee today proposed several changes during its annual meeting intended to allow student-athletes to use their speed and skill to create scoring opportunities. To aid in the implementation of these new rules, the committee approved a two-referee, two-linesman system - which was added as an approved system in 2006 - as the only officiating system for all levels of college hockey. The proposal postpones implementation for Division III institutions until the 2009-10 season. All rules proposals must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which meets July 2 via conference call.

Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin hadn't yet studied the proposals but noted that "anything done to improve the consistency of the officiating and to increase the enjoyment of the fans is great."