“Honey, bring me some popcorn and a beer. Let’s sit down to this
new DVD I got explaining the new rules for this upcoming hockey season. I hear this Stephen Walkom guy, who is NHL Senior VP & Director of Officiating, is the real deal.”“So you think that the game will be officiated better thus resulting in better play?” my fantasy wife said with the most astute understanding of the game.
“Certainly!” I replied, “This Walkom guy has the situation under control. Calling hooking, holding and interference without the need for players to resort to diving or embellishment will make the game faster and therefore speed will rule!”
“Dear, haven’t we heard these same stories in years past? I mean, it seems every year we hear another release from the NHL referees that they will call the penalties as stated in the rule book, and then as the year goes on, they seem to slip back to the old way. What makes you so sure this is the year?”
“See this DVD? They sent one to EVERY team, explaining what will be called and what will be tolerated. Look! See how Briere’s stick gets broken with that slash? That will be called every time this year. And Pronger, wrapping his arms around that player, stopping him from entering the play!! Classic interference and it will come to an end this year!”“I’m glad you feel this will be the year the refs call the real penalties. But, maybe the refs will go too far and start calling meaningless fouls, silly little jabs with the stick and incidental bumps.”
“No way, sweetheart! This DVD shows how the refs are ready to take the challenge of a new year, a new direction! Take the role of being a rules enforcer to the next level! I can’t wait for the 2007-2008 season to start!”
“Ah, well, don’t get your hopes up babe” she said with a snicker.
“Why not?” I demanded, chugging my beer down.
“This DVD your ‘savior’ Walkom sent out was for the start of the ’06 -‘07 year!”
