For the 2024-25 MJHL season, fans and players will have to adjust to a change of a few rules they’ve grown accustomed to.
“We are taking on a lot of the Western Hockey League rules”, explains Director of Officiating for the MJHL, Patrick Gagnon. “There are many rules that may look different to fans but there are a couple we want to explain in more detail.”
One new penalty that has already been on display during the pre-season is puck over glass is now a 2:00 minor for delay of game. “Puck out of play is the big one”, explains Gagnon. “Last year, it was no change and that was the penalty, essentially. Now this year, the players need to be aware of where they shoot the puck to dump it. Puck over glass from the defending zone is now delay of game. A puck into the bench will not be called.”
There are instances where a referee’s discretion can come into assessing a penalty. “Shooting a puck into the ceiling or hitting a scoreboard at center ice is not the same as over the glass”, Gagnon details. “If it’s very obvious a player has done that to get a change or stop momentum, a minor penalty may be handed out.”
Another change that Gagnon wanted to detail was high-sticking on follow-throughs. “High stick follow through will now not be a penalty. When there’s a high stick that follows a shot or a pass, something that would be considered a hockey play, if the stick catches a player, even if there is a small cut, there will not be a penalty. In addition to that, wind up as well, will not be a penalty. If a player is loading up for a slapshot and unknowingly catches the player behind him, it’s not a penalty. There will be instances where people want penalties called but if it’s a hockey play and the common sense of the play is to make a shot or a pass, there not be a penalty called.”
More of the rules will change, some subtly, some not as much but the on-ice officials have taken the new changes in stride. “Many of our veteran officials have worked for the Western League” says Gagnon. “These rules have been in place for a while with them. They’ll be very accustomed to the rules. There are a few differences like fighting, it’s still only one fight. Veteran officials should be good, so we’ll rely on them a lot to guide the officials who are new to things. We’ve had a Zoom meeting to go over the rules, so it’s been very good that way. Questions have come in and we’ve discussed things and worked them out. Exhibition season has been pretty good. It may be trial and error a bit early on but we’re working together on everything.”
Communication will be key for Gagnon and the officials, something he’s already encouraging from teams. “I’ve invited coaches to ask me any questions regarding rules and changes”, Gagnon notes. “There has been communication already toward that, so it’s been really good. I’m ready to get things going. Hopefully, there is no hiccups, but the big thing is the communication is wide open and guys shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.”
A long talked about issue has been the net is bumped off the pegs, will a goal still count? Gagnon says the new rules have that covered. “Some rinks the net comes off easier than others” laughs Gagnon. “There are adult sized goalies bumping into it, it’s going to happen. With that, if a puck is in motion or a shooter about to shoot or is in the motion of shooting and the net comes off its peg, if the puck enters where the net would have been, it will be called a good goal.”
“Things like hybrid icing, choosing which faceoff circle a draw takes place in, those stay the same. One more addition will be no changing if a puck is dumped in from the other side of center and covered by the goalie” says Gagnon. “Teams cannot change if they knock the net off in the defensive zone, either.”
The 40 referees and 48 linespersons will have a different look this year and according to Gagnon, they’re all looking forward to it. “We got new jersey’s this year”, he says with a smile. “New design, names on the back, which a lot of officials wanted. Truth be told, everyone knows who’s reffing anyways”, Gagnon laughs, “why not be called by your last name instead of something else? It’s something we had when I was in the league, and I’d much rather be called “Gags” than anything else. Much better than ‘hey ref’ or ‘hey stripes’. We’re a little nip and tuck here coming to the start of the year, but I think everyone is pretty excited about it.”
Gagnon says officials, like players, work very hard in the summer to be ready for the MJHL season. From off-ice training to learning new or amended rules, the work never stops but it also means a lot of excitement to get back on the ice. “From showcasing more on social media to new jersey’s, I think everyone’s looking forward to getting going. The new rules are causing a little bit of stress, but it’s got everybody talking, interacting and building toward the season. I’m excited about it. All our guys and girls are ready to get the regular season underway.”
