Tackles have been tested in women’s hockey this season.
After evaluation, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association decided that the rule change would last for one year.
– A big and important decision for Swedish hockey, it is a project that other countries and the International Hockey Federation are pursuing, says General Secretary Johan Stark.
The “Tackle Women’s Hockey” pilot project was implemented to allow more physical play in the SDHL and NDHL.
An evaluation shows that 86 percent of responding players in the top two leagues expressed themselves “very favorably” or “positively” about the rule change.
Players have expressed that there will be tougher competition, greater recreational value, and less exposure to injury.
“I think it’s the future of women’s hockey. The game is much faster and easier to beat. Higher demands are placed on players with technical skills and I hope the introduction will be a change forever,” one of the players answers in the anonymous survey.
“custom game”
The positive response now means that the project will continue through the 2023/2024 season.
– The overall picture is that the game and more physical manipulations are appreciated. Project manager Morgan Johansson says the players have done a good job adapting the game and, above all, increasing awareness on the field while also increasing physical presence.
The next step in the project is that the wizards are now also being introduced in the four regional junior series.
In practice, this means an expanded interpretation from the IIHF International Ice Hockey Association rulebook regarding physical play along the edges and in the same direction as play on open ice.
International rules regarding open ice handling in reverse still apply.
