No-touch icing idea discussed, dismissed at Friday GM meeting in Detroit

Mike Brophy
2008-06-02 16:41:42

DETROIT - Don’t expect to see no-touch icing in the NHL in the near future.

The concept was discussed once again at Monday’s GM meetings in Detroit, but it will not be passed on to the board of governors as a recommendation for next season.

“Many GMs are still very concerned about maintaining the flow of games,” said Florida GM Jacques Martin. “If you watched the games in the World Championship and junior games, there are many stoppages because of icing.”

Martin and Chicago GM Dale Tallon both said the GMs are recommending referees crack down on contact between players chasing the loose puck.

Detroit GM Ken Holland said there was talk about injury disclosure. Holland said he doesn’t mind disclosing injuries through most of the regular season, but is against it late in the regular season and also in playoffs.

“I think too much information could put a player’s health at risk,” Holland said.

An example of Holland’s concern came in this year’s Stanley Cup final when Pittsburgh’s Gary Roberts took a shot at Detroit’s Johan Franzen’s head.

Franzen missed action in the final because of concussion-like symptoms.