The game of hockey is constantly evolving. There have been a few key changes to the rulebook throughout the years. Today, let’s look at some key rule changes in the NHL and see how adding them back in can affect modern-day development.
Related: The History Of Icing The Puck
Through the Years
Some highlighted rule changes from the NHL Records:
1919 - Bluelines created to create a neutral zone (NZ) in which forward passes were allowed.
1921 - Goalies can make a forward pass in their defensive zone (DZ). Skaters still are not allowed to make forward passes.
1928 - Forward pass allowed in DZ + NZ.
1929 - Forward pass allowed in OZ + NZ + DZ. This more than doubled scoring for the season.
1930 - Due to the increased scoring and forward passing, offsides is established as we know it today.
1943 - The red line is established to decrease the number of offsides & speed up the game. Before this, passes couldn’t be made from one zone to another.
1986 - Tag up offside was introduced.
1996 - Automatic offsides brought back.
2005 - Elimination of two-line passes + Tag up offsides reintroduced.
Using Old Time Rules For Modern Development
On the Hockey IQ podcast, Martin St Louis talked about how he encourages his youth players to play hockey like rugby; players are discouraged from dumping the puck and therefore often times need to play the puck backwards to maintain possession.
This style requires players to support the puck, especially below the level of the play. It’s an incredibly valuable skill to possess as players move up the hockey pyramid.
Another podcast guest, Topher Scott, had a Russian coach in youth hockey that had the team play handball on the ice. By adding these ‘old rules’ to their culture, there are solutions that players must work through in order to problem solve. They add further tools to the player’s toolbox and help players realize how to best use their assets. Topher’s team even went on the win the national championship! What could’ve been seen as a silly use of ice time was actually a great learning tool for development.
Rule-Based Games
There are a ton of small-area games (SAGs) out there. We challenge you to think of some of your favorites and place a restriction or another rule into the game.
Some examples:
Levels with one-touch finishes only.
Scrimmage with only backwards passing, like pre-1920s rule changes.
SAG with backside presence.
Adding limitations and rule alterations to games creates an environment of problem-solving that requires players to think through new possibilities. This is exactly how we as coaches can help improve our player’s in-game problem-solving skills. What are some ideas you can think of? Interact with us on social media or send us an email at hockeysarsenal@gmail.com.
Further Reading:
Understanding hockey players as Hardware vs Software
Figure out the Skills that Transfer, Skills that Last
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