MHNet update changes the rules

The NCAA rules committee makes their recommendations.  What is and isn’t getting changed?  More on new Michigan commit Dexter Dancs.  And looking at how the NHL Winter Classic ticket prices compare to last year, plus a rumor about a lack of public sale. 

RULES, THEY ARE A CHANGIN’

The NCAA rules committee held their annual meeting earlier this week and made several changes to the rule book, but not the one everyone has been begging for.

The push toward three-quarter face shields did not get formally recommended by the committee.  Instead, the committee plans on meeting with the NCAA competitive safeguards committee on a larger package of safety improvements.  Per the USCHO report, the NCAA surveyed 1,000 players and found 83% percent would prefer the three-quarter face shield over a full shield.  Though not in the report, I think pretty much all coaches are in favor of the move, too.  Heck, the USHL and other junior leagues lets kids wear half shields, which would probably get more support than three-quarter shields.  But, of course, lets drag our feet on this some more.

As for changes that did get approved (final approval subject to the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel in July):

• Conferences have the option to play four-on-four hockey in overtime in regular season games.
• Hand passes are now illegal in all zones. Under the old rule a player could open hand smack the puck away in the defensive zone. A hand pass will now result in a defensive zone face off, and if the violation takes place in the defensive zone, the offending team cannot make a line change.
• The net does not have to be completely on its pegs for a goal to count. Referees now have leeway to determine if a puck would have entered the net in its normal position. Long overdue rule change and it finally comes as a result of Michigan State getting hosed out of a goal against Union during the NCAA tournament.
• Goals off skates count unless directed in with a distinct kicking motion.
• Mandating the use of the two-referee, two-linesmen officiating system.
• Goal judges are now recommended rather than required.
• Game disqualification penalties can now be reviewed after the game.

MORE ON DANCS

Bob Miller at College Hockey Prospective has a scouting report on new Michigan commit Dexter Dancs.  He has a quote from Penticton assistance coach Michael Hengen:

“Dexter Dancs is a big, young, raw power forward with an excellent skating stride and an equally as good set of hands and shot,” said Hengen.  “Dexter will as easily take the puck hard to the net, set up a play or drop his gloves to stand up for a teammate. Dexter will be another one of many Michigan Wolverines that they will develop to have a chance of playing pro hockey.”

Over at The Three V’s, the Voice of the Vees Fraser Rodgers has a nice audio interview with Dancs talking about his Michigan decision, his past season in the KIJHL, and upcoming season in Penticton.

WINTER CLASSIC TICKETS

I found this chart from last year’s NHL Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park (capacity 46,967):

Prices ranged from $49 to $349, whereas this year’s Winter Classic ranges from $89 to $279.  They’re also trying to sell 60,000 more tickets this year.

Some folks are still convinced this is going to be an easy sell out.  Me, I’m not nearly as convinced. The majority of tickets being in the $129-189 price range.  Also factor in a potential New Year’s Day bowl game for Michigan football, which could mean a lot of local fans traveling to the bowl game or staying at home to watch the football team.  Maybe those fans will buy tickets but end up dumping them.  And playing at The Big House, well, there’s not as much awe in it since it just happened a few years ago and at a much cheaper rate of $15 per ticket.

There’s also a rumor going around that there might not be a public sale, and that anyone who does buy a ticket also must purchase a ticket to the Great Lakes Invitational.  In my digging around Google for previous year ticket prices, I did come across a few posts about people having to buy tickets to the other events leading up to the Winter Classic in addition to their Classic ticket, which jacks up the price more so.