The 麻豆社国产Eagles bantam recreational hockey club played their final regular season game with body contact on Sunday (Feb. 5)
And despite the talk from coaches, league presidents and coordinators, the kids playing the game aren't exactly thrilled with the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association's (PCAHA) decision to remove body contact from the game.
"I think they should have kept it in," said Tak Gray, a forward on the team. "It's part of the game. It's a defensive tactic in the game and next year it's going to be a lot different."
Defenceman Nile Sinnes said he'd rather see players get punished for dangerous plays instead of eliminating hitting entirely.
"They should have made bigger penalties for things like hitting from behind," he said. "I don't think they should have taken it out. They should punish the players just out there going for big hits."
Sinnes said that the reaction from his teammates has been universal.
"A lot of us are going to try and join rep next year because there will still be hitting," he said. "But in Bantam there may not be enough kids for a rep team. Getting rid of hitting isn't good because it's fun to hit."
Gray agreed and said that minor hockey players are well aware of the risks in the sport when they sign up.
"When you play hockey, getting hit is a risk you have to take," he said. "When you go and pay the money to play hockey you say that you're liable for all the injuries that might happen. It's just a risk you have to take."
Sinnes and Gray both said it might lead to a more confusing game next year for players, coaches and referees.
"I think there's going to be a lot of penalties because everyone is still going to try and hit and forget about the new rules," Sinnes said.
"It might lead to more cheap shots," Gray said. "Just like in the NHL with the instigator penalty."
Gray, who will be entering Midget next year, is aiming to make the rep team but said he will continue playing hockey even if there's no contact.
"I'll still play if I'm on a non-contact team but it's not going to be as fun," he said.
Sinnes and Gray both said that hitting clinics would be a good idea for younger players but that their team has had very few injuries this year despite playing in a contact league.
"A lot of us are experienced and know how to take and give a hit," Gray said.
The PCAHA's decision to ban bodychecking from recreational hockey was passed on Jan. 22 and will eliminate contact from Bantam and Midget hockey leagues. The PCAHA is also considering the removal of bodychecking from Peewee rep, with a decision expected later this year.
For more information on the ruling, visit www.squamishminorhockey.com.
