November 18, 2010
GMHL NEWS UPDATE!
GMHL NEWS UPDATE:
MIDSEASON RULE CHANGES / PLAYOFF FORMAT DECIDED
As the GMHL approaches the halfway point in the season, a number of issues have arisen, creating the need for discussion amongst league executive, owners and officials representatives to best deal with the current state of the league. As a result, the GMHL is issuing notice regarding rule and policy changes, which take effect immediately.
In addition, the GMHL has established its playoff format for this season. It’s a solution the league feels is an excellent system that provides for the concerns regarding the additional travel in the playoffs, while maintaining the opportunity to have the most deserving teams reach the latter stages and the Russell Cup Final.
NEW RULE MODIFICATIONS, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!
a. With the league experiencing a spike in Major penalties this season, the GMHL is reinstating the Progressive element to Disqualification Penalties (DQ), whereby the number of suspended games is equivalent to the number of DQ’s accumulated by a player. 1st DQ – 1 game, 2nd DQ – 2 games, 3rd DQ – 3 games, and so on.
This policy is in place immediately! Any player with DQ penalties in their history will be assessed a suspension using this formula, if additional DQ’s are assessed to a player at any point this season.
The policy already established for Fighting Majors remain intact, with DQ’s only being assessed for a fight in the third period, or for any Instigator Penalty at any point in the game.
b. A new customized policy is being established to deal specifically with the relationship between players and officials which the GMHL feels needs to improve. Despite the tremendous improvement in our officiating staff and organization over the last 2 seasons, and even acknowledging game officials are never perfect, the level of disrespect from players and coaches has reached new levels this season, and this is unacceptable!
A new penalty code – AO (Abuse of Official) is now in use, and with it, a more specific protocol to deal with any player or coach who verbally abuses an official, with more clear cut guidelines as to what constitutes various severities of abuse, and a means to deal with any escalating level of disrespect from players and coaches.
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The GMHL has always been ready to make changes or modifications to the league in mid-season, and one of the league’s strengths as an independent organization is the willingness to do just that.
The GMHL will be closely monitoring Penalty and DQ histories, and is prepared to stiffen suspensions and expel individuals who are not abiding by league rules and policies.
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2010-2011 GMHL PLAYOFF FORMAT
First Two Rounds:
North: Algoma, Elliot Lake, Sturgeon Falls, Powassan, Oro-Medonte, South Muskoka
South: Bobcaygeon, Bradford, Vaughan, Shelburne, Toronto, Desertonto, Jamestown
1st Round – South (Single Game Elimination) Feb. 22
6 vs 7
2nd Round - North and South (Best of Three) Feb. 23 – Mar. 1
1 vs 2 Bye, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5
QUARTER-FINALS (Best of Five) Mar. 2 – Mar. 10
1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5
SEMI-FINALS (Best of Seven) Mar. 11 – Mar. 21
1 vs 4, 2 vs 3
RUSSELL CUP CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL (Best of Seven) Mar. 22 – Apr. 1
1 vs 2
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NEWS AND NOTES:
- The NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets have contacted the GMHL regarding Shelburne Red Wings’ Stanislav Dzakhov. Dzakhov is a 17 year forward from Moscow, stands 6’ 1”, and weighs 205lbs. and is averaging an impressive 3+ points per game average, with 23 goals and 34 assists for 57 points in only 18 games. Blue Jackets scout Scott Harris has asked for Red Wings game footage, and indicated a desire to watch Dzakhov in person at an upcoming game.