NHL Governors approve major penalty for hits to head + one awesome idea!

[Forkboy]

LOS ANGELES – A passionate debate about hits to the head that has lasted the better part of a year was officially settled Thursday night when the NHL Board of Governors approved a new penalty for next season.

The penalty for a lateral, blindside hit to the head, which will be called "illegal check to the head," is a five-minute major penalty, as well as an automatic game misconduct. The League also will consider supplemental discipline.

It was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors during Thursday's meeting, the first for the body since last December. The rule was proposed during the spring edition of the General Managers' Meeting in Florida after several controversial hits during the season.

"I think we are really pleased with where it is," Columbus GM Scott Howson told NHL.com. "But I also think it is something really fluid and we will have to continue to work at it if we see the need."

Here's the awesome idea part....

Finally, the Board also agreed to join the Rock and Wrap it Up movement, a non-profit program that becomes part of the League's greening initiative. The program will recover leftover food from arena concessions and use it to feed the hungry.

"The combo of recycling and reusing is good from a greening standpoint, but it is also right thing to do in terms of feeding hungry people," Bettman said.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532720

[Dr Morbius]

1. I like both ideas.

Lateral blows to the head can result in concussions, which are nothing to be dismissed lightly. Imposing a major penalty for this sounds to me like a terrific idea. And feeding homeless people as opposed to throwing food out; that kinda makes sense, too!

[Forkboy]

2. I like both as well, but I'm excited by the second one.

:)

[bluevoter4life]

3. I've worked hockey games in the past

In concession stands for various organizations and was simply shocked at how much perfectly good food was just thrown away at the end of every game. Uncooked pizza dough that was refrigerated (save for the next game) and the like. Its good to see the second idea finally address waste, and it goes to a good cause too.

[LisaM]

4. Both good ideas

I hope this catches on in other leagues.

[DevonRex]

5. Sounds good to me.

Oh, and Todd Bertuzzi sucks. Just thought I'd throw that out there.