Change a right switch

QUEENSLAND Blades player Corey Weyer says the revamped Australian Hockey League format will pave the way for exciting, high-scoring games.

The AHL finals are being held in Weyer’s home city of the Gold Coast and are being used to test a range of new rules that will be brought in full-time in 2019.

Among the proposed changes are two five-minute PumpPlays, field goal conversions and penalty shootouts for drawn games.

Weyer backed the changes to make the national competition more attractive to viewers while creating new dynamics on the field.

“I quite like the idea,” he said.

“The franchises will hopefully get a bit more involved with crowds and sponsors and get hockey out there and that’s what we are looking to do.

“If we can get more people involved, interested in watching and get some TV rights. That would be awesome for the development of the game.

“The extra goals and PumpPlays are a really good idea. There will be a lot more goals.

Weyer predicted the rule modifications to change the playing-style of teams.

“I think it will change the tactics of teams, especially towards the end of a game,” Weyer said.

“If you’re up by one goal you could end up being down by two if your opponent scores in the power play.

“It’s more important than ever to stay switched on for the entire game.

“Having nine on nine during the PumpPlays opens the field up and makes it more attacking and free flowing.”

Weyer (above) has enjoyed a rapid rise through the hockey ranks in recent seasons, breaking into the national set-up.

Queensland face the Tassie Tigers in today’s men’s semifinal at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Labrador.