R&D for a better NHL?

NHL Research and Development Camp

Here are some on the things being tested at the NHL R&D camp that I was able to find from various sources on the internet.

In game rule proposals:

- No-touch and Hybrid icing

-No icing during penalty kills

- Face-off variations (penalty line for center committing an infraction; all face-offs in circles; same linesman drops puck for all face-offs)

- Shootout variation (5-man shootout precedes sudden-death format)

- Shallow-back nets

- Face-off variations (both centers must come set on whistle; all face-offs in circles; same linesman drops puck for all face-offs)

- Delayed penalty variation (offending team must exit zone in possession of puck to stop play)

-All penalties served in their entirety

- Changes only allowed on-the-fly (none during stoppage or offside)

- Strict enforcement of goaltenders covering puck outside crease (Rule 63.2)

- Remove trapezoid

- Allow hand passes in all zones

- Overtime variation (switch ends)

- Shootout variation (5-man shootout with repeat players if tied after 5 shooters)

- Thin-netting nets

- Offside variation (offending team can’t change and face-off in its end zone)

- Face-off variations (player encroaching can’t replace thrown-out center, all face-offs in circles; same linesman drops puck for all face-offs, after offside – faceoff goes to offenders zone)

- Bear-hug rule

- Overtime variation (switch ends for four minutes of 4-on-4, followed by three min. of 3-on-3)

- Shootout variation (3-man shoot out with repeat shooters if tied after 3 shooters)

Logistical and safety rule proposals:

-On-ice officials communication – ref-to-ref wireless

-Overhead camera – to assist Hockey Operations reviews of various initiatives (verification line/goal netting/in-net camera)

-Clear window on top on net behind crossbar and around side of net for controversial goal verification.

-Verification line to assist officials in determining definitively if a puck crossing goal line counts as a goal

-In-net camera – mounted camera at one end with one net with camera view focused on the goal line to help verify goals

-Robotic camera – to test camera angles for coverage closer to ice

-Video replay application review

-Curved glass – protection options at players bench areas

The camp also featured top junior level players acting as test subjects and auditioning for NHL GM’s and coaches that attended.  In addition, there is an All-Star Skills competition (fastest skater, breakaway challenge, accuracy shooting, skills relay challenge, hardest shot, elimination shootout) to showcase talent at the camp.

My take:

I like the Hybrid icing, no trapezoid and shallow nets.  In addition, the additional camera angles, clear window over net, verification line and curved glass at benches.  I feel they improve an already strong on-ice product and make the game smartly safer for the players.

Things like limiting changes and 3 man overtimes could result in more injuries and don’t make the product better.  More offense isn’t always a reason to make a change.  Hand passes will open a whole new can of worms.  Can you slide a puck into an open net with your hand?  Too much chaos would ensue.

Overall, I think these camps are a great idea.  The league can test rules and policy changes in a perfect environment before a trial in the ECHL or AHL.  They can also display top prospects in a unique way to the assembled GM’s and hockey elite.  It seems like a great vehicle to evaluate and thoroughly test all kinds on idea and concepts.  I only hope the better stuff rises to the top and the silly stuff get ignored.  We don’t need gimmicks; just give valuable improvements a chance.