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For immediate release
February 11, 2004
(OTTAWA) – Fans of NHL hockey have responded to the announcements yesterday regarding proposed changes to their game.
The 21,000+ Members of the NHL Fans' Association agree that some of the changes will make the game better, but are not entirely convinced other changes will help.
The most popular proposed change among NHL fans is the reduction in size of goaltenders' leg pads. A strong majority of the NHLFA (80%) believes this will have a positive impact on the game of hockey. Likewise, over 75% think that the return of the tag-up rule will improve the game.
There was no clear consensus for potentially awarding a penalty shot to a player pursuing a puck (versus being in control of the puck). Slightly more than half of those polled (59%) expect this to help the game. Half (51%) of fans think moving the nets three feet closer to the end boards will help the game.
Regarding the proposed rule to allow goals to count if the nets are slightly off their pegs, 48% don't think this will have a positive impact on the game and 44% believe it will have positive effect.
Only 38% of fans think awarding three points to the visitor in regulation time would be good for the game, while 49% don't think it will have a positive impact.
Rule changes that didn't receive great acceptance include widening the red and blue lines. Only 28% think this will help the game, while 54% don't like the idea. One fifth (18%) of fans "don't know" if this will help the game.
Preventing goalies from playing the puck behind the goal line is not a great solution. More than 62% of fans don't think this will help the game, while only 28% think it will help.
The NHLFA was launched in 1998 to give hockey fans across North America and worldwide a way to express their views on NHL hockey and to influence the game for the better. The non-profit NHLFA is free to join at www.nhlfa.com.
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