As of the beginning of the 2012 High Plains Hockey League season, all games will be played with increased consequences for checking from behind, boarding and contact to the head.

Referees may not assess a minor penalty for these three calls:

Checking from Behind (USA Hockey Rule 607)

Boarding (USA Hockey Rule 604)

Contact to the Head (USA Hockey Rule 616)

The penalty for Checking from Behind may be a 5 minute major with a 10 minute misconduct, or if the check is excessive, a 5 minute major with a game misconduct.

The penalty for Boarding may be a 5 minute major, or if the hit is excessive, a 5 minute major with a game misconduct.

The penalty for Contact to the Head may be a 5 minute major, or is the hit is excessive, a 5 minute major with a game misconduct.

The definition of what constitutes these penalties does not change.

These rule changes were adopted by the Minnesota High School Hockey Association part way through their season, and they have a very good video on-line that we would suggest you watch. The link is www.mshsl.org/hockey

Information regarding USA Hockey's new rules for coaching certification!

Now available on the coaches page.

All head or assistant coaches in HPHL must complete the following prior to 12/31:

Level one certification or higher

Midget age level module

Concussion Awareness Training

CAHA online registration and background check