TORONTO — The hockey governing physique within the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador has banned postgame handshakes within the minor leagues after a string of altercations.
Hockey NL introduced the transfer final week. Gonzo Bennett, chair of Hockey NL’s minor council government committee, wrote in a memo that the group has had “issues” following video games that led to suspensions of each gamers and coaches.
Instead of handshakes, officers will now direct groups off the ice after the sport, in keeping with The Canadian Press. The visiting squad will as an alternative skate by the house group’s bench and supply a glove faucet or handshake earlier than video games.
Word of the transfer shocked gamers and workers on the world junior hockey championship in Sweden this week.
“Disappointing,” mentioned Canada head coach Alan Letang, who performed 19 skilled seasons in each Europe and North America. “There’s a respect and camaraderie in sports. You can go out and compete hard against someone, but at the end of the game it’s, ‘Great game, great job.’ Respect goes both ways. If I was coaching a team and stuff like that happened, you wouldn’t put up with it.”
Teams on the world juniors, which options gamers 19 years of age and youthful, shake palms after each sport and it’s a widespread function for youth video games all the best way to the National Hockey League.
Canada received right into a handshake argument on the 2020 juniors event when captain Barrett Hayton didn’t take away his helmet throughout Russia’s nationwide anthem following a 6-0 loss. Hayton later apologized, including he was “lost in the moment” and meant no disrespect.
Sweden coach Magnus Havelid was additionally shocked by the transfer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Tough to hear … it’s sad,” he mentioned. “It’s important for coaches of young players to say, ‘What happens when you play those 60 minutes, that’s one thing. But after, it’s finished.’”
The transfer by Hockey NL got here as coach, dad or mum and participant conduct in newbie hockey is underneath growing scrutiny. Authorities in Nova Scotia final month charged a coach with allegedly assaulting a referee throughout a sport involving gamers as younger as 9. Amateur hockey associations throughout Canada have elected to place inexperienced armbands on teenage referees in hopes dad and mom and coaches assume twice earlier than hurling verbal abuse.
Canada captain Fraser Minten referred to as postgame handshakes a “cool, classy” a part of hockey. Teammate Owen Allard mentioned he remembers seeing disagreements in hockey handshake traces within the minors.
“Especially tournaments – finals – the losing team, they’re kind of moping and some guys don’t take off their gloves,” he mentioned. “It’s kind of sad. Once the whistle blows, you’ve got to show that respect to the opposition.”
Letang mentioned it’s on adults to set the tone.
“As coaches we want to be intense, and as coaches it’s about winning,” he advised CP. “But it’s also about developing kids and teaching them those little life lessons. You can compete hard, but at the end of the day, respect your opponent and be humble.”
Letang lamented the actual fact Hockey NL felt the necessity to take such a drastic step.
“Something’s changed or something’s turned,” he added. “We’ve got to find a way to get it back.”
