Minnesota State High School League Changing Penalties for Violent Hits in Hockey Gamges

by Jeff Fisher
Host, NHSCA Sports Hour

Two week's after a Minnesota high school hockey player was paralyzed from the neck down after a check from behind, the state's high school sports governing body has taken action to stiffen penalties for three different penalties.

Starting with Monday's games, the Minnesota State High School League players called for a check from behind, boarding or head contact will get at least a five-minute major penalty.

According to a news release posted on the MSHSL's website: "The penalties for three infractions of the rules have been significantly increased in an effort to thwart players from making dangerous hits on the ice."

The rules changes come after Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore hockey player Jack Joblonski was paralyzed from crashing headfirst into the boards after a check from behind.

"Hockey is a great game, and when it is played the way it should be played, it should be a safe game," said Craig Perry, Minnesota State High School League associate director who oversees hockey.  "The advisory committee's recommendations and our Board's support of the action continue our efforts to protect the kids on the ice, efforts that have been in place for a number of years."