Red Wing Athletic Association

Minnesota Hockey Members

In light of recent injuries in high school hockey and with continuing efforts to reduce the risks involved in hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors adopted the following rule changes. Effective Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the minimum penalty for boarding and checking from behind infractions will be increased. The first level of penalty for Boarding, Rule 603, will become a major and a Checking from Behind, Rule 608, will become a major plus a misconduct. These changes apply to all Minnesota Hockey sanctioned league, tournament and exhibition (scrimmage) games and will be in effect until the end of the 2011-12 season (July 31, 2012). The effectiveness of these changes will be evaluated going forward.

These rule changes are being adopted on a pilot basis and all rules and definitions in the USA Hockey 2011-13 Official Rules of Ice Hockey book remain in effect. Only the first levels of penalties for the two infractions stated above are increased. Officials need to make these calls and must have the support of the coaches and parents if increasing the consequences for boarding and checking from behind is to have a positive effect.

During this pilot, HEP Fair Point calculations are not changing. When tabulating total Fair Play penalty minutes, the "equivalency" penalty minute for the first level boarding and checking from behind remain the same; Boarding, 2 minute minor and checking from behind, 2 minute minor and 10 minute misconduct.

Hockey is a great game and wouldn't be possible without all of the efforts of coaches, officials, administrator and parents. For all your work we say thank you and ask for your cooperation in implementing these changes.

Thank you,

Dave Margenau

President, Minnesota Hockey

Please send a message to Denise Larson (below) by emailing her with additions, cancellations or changes to games held at Prairie Island Arena.  This will ensure the concession stand is open for your events.  Remember to include your team name, date, and time. 

If you are looking for an exciting, challenging and fun way to spend your winters, think about becoming a referee.  The Red Wing Hockey Association is in need of referrees for the upcoming season.  Contact Lori Mitchell if you are interested.

Or, if you are already certified and looking for games, contact Lori Mitchell.