Right or Wrong – You Make The Call

Over the years the game has changed and so has the manner in which we look (Coaches) at the game and pull out all stops in which to win.

These tactics are usually taken by those who have no understanding of what it takes to lose, while still be a true sportsman, regardless of the sport.

The one that has become extremely costly for the Families and more-so for the single family is Canada’s National Winter Sport – HOCKEY!

Regardless of the cost we see (and we all have) those who are in the game for no one else other than themselves, where winning is everything.

Rules are put in place for the safety of the game for everyone, but again some try to take advantage of them, thus we have changes to the rule book season after season.

Such is the case recently in the States where a High School Coach (Andy Escala) wanted to circumvent the rules to his liking by starting the game using two goalies in the starting line-up.

Since when does it take a “loser coach” to have his team going against the rules just for the sake of putting a “W” in the column and getting the extra points that might take them to the playoffs.

Does this coach (and I use that term lightly) clearly not know the rules of the game when it comes to starting line-ups and number of players permitted on the ice?

Obviously not and if he does why would he/she do such a tactic so as to embarrass not only the other team, but the game officials as well.

Interesting to note that in the 2013-17 Hockey USA Rule book the rule for composition of teams states as per Rule 201

(a) A team must start a game with a minimum of six players.

Any time that a team has been reduced to less than four players, the game shall be declared a forfeit.

A maximum of 20 players, in which not more than 18 are skaters, shall be permitted to play in the game.

(b) Each team shall designate on the score-sheet a Head Coach prior to the start of the game. The Head Coach shall be in control of and responsible for the actions of all team personnel, including players.

We all hear about the coaches that want to win at all cost and some can’t do it unless they cheat, sending the wrong message to today’s youth, especially high school students?

While I for one can think of why he might try it, I can’t believe that in this case the tournament organizers would allow him to put this line-up on the ice.

We now hear from organizers of the event that mention Escala tried to have his team opt out of the game, for whatever reason is allowed in the Big North conference as long as both teams mutually agree.

Apparently his team is in a rebuilding mold with only two seniors, while the other team St. Joseph’s is a dominating powerhouse.

Rather than both coaches act like a true sportsman, St. Joseph insisted on playing the game, despite the likely outcome, so apparently he Escala had an inspiration come to mind and “Play two goalies”.

Escala said “I recalled reading it in a book about (a team that did it) in Rhode Island years ago and was like, ‘Let me try this.

He continued “I did some research and was like, ‘I know what the answer’s going to be, but I’m still going to try this and let’s see what the officials say.'”

“At first, it started as, you know what, this may be our only way to actually try to win this game,” Escala added. “But then it (became) more of a statement, saying, ‘Why does St. Joe’s want to play a public school that’s down, working their way back up? It doesn’t really benefit either team.'”

So two things come to mind for this, first the league and USA Hockey need to make an adjustment to amend the rules and second here’s hoping that they instruct the game referee’s at the clinic’s as to what they do in a situation like this.

Oh yea- In the Hockey Canada Official Rule book listed on page 19 under Rule 2.1 (a) Composition of Teams it states the following.

A team shall have no more that six player on the ice at any one time while play is in progress.

These six players shall be designated as follows: Goaltender, Right Defence, Left Defence, Centre, Right Wing and Left Wing.

Along with this rule one other that everyone MUST UNDERSTAND is the game must be played under what I call the “Umbrella” of safety!

At least Canada has it right!!