Once again, things are changing in college hockey. Yesterday, the CCHA approved the shootout rule to be in effect for the 2008-09 season.

Although I thought that the shootout rule was a little bothersome, this is a change in college hockey that I will have to realize it could be good for the game.

The NHL seems to have done it right, and maybe it will be good for the future. Plus, the conference records will be the same as the NHL point system, two points for a win, one point to each team if the game enters the shootout (after the five minute overtime), and one point for a shootout win.

The only thing that I am confused on a little bit is the fact that the NCAA didn’t exactly mandate this rule yet for all conferences. They had talked about it but haven’t set the rule in stone exactly yet. But, yet again, what would happen to the pairwise rankings?

Right now there is no effect in the pairwise in the CCHA, but what if (or when will) every conference had a shootout? The pairwise would probably have to make changes, like they have done in the past.

Will this work? Possibly, but even though I don’t agree with it completely, at least it’s worth a try. If the shootout does work, then it will be another step in the right direction for the sport.

56 Days till the season begins. Should be an interesting 2008-09 college hockey season with all the rule changes and new faces.

Friday, August 15th, 2008 - 11:48 am | Commentary