Changes eyed for MIAA hockey OT
Goal judges and replay endorsed
FRANKLIN — The backlash and spirited debate following the disputed winning goal from the Division 1 boys’ hockey final has prompted the MIAA hockey committee to make recommendations for changing overtime structure, using goal judges in the postseason, and introducing video replays for championship games at TD Garden.
In the D1 final, St. John’s Prep defeated Winchester, 3-2, on a goal that videos high above the ice showed had crossed the line after time had expired. The goal was ruled good by the four on-ice officials.
The amendments, generated at Wednesday’s two-plus hour meeting, will be forwarded to the Tournament Management Committee, which is scheduled to meet virtually on Thursday. A quick decision, however, is unlikely.
The overtime for all state tournament games will be broken into three 8-minute segments — a four-on-four session using the same ice as the third period. If the game is not decided, new ice will be made for two three-for-three sudden death eight-minute sessions. However, if the game is still tied, a shootout will determine the winter.
After much deliberation, the overtime amendment passed, 10-6, but not without animated discussion. In the 2023-24 season, 19 of the 196 postseason games went to OT, with 10 extended into double overtime, and four ending in a shootout. Through 587 tournament games in three seasons of the statewide format, six have been decided in a shootout.
“You don’t play your whole season to get to a state final game and then have a shooter against the goalie,” said Wellesley athletic director John Brown. “It’s not right for the kids and it’s certainly not right for the goalie, and it’s not right for the teams.”
This year’s Division 1 girls’ final, the first game of the day, St. Mary’s prevailed in three overtimes over Notre Dame-Hingham. And the Division 1 boys’ final went four OTs before BC High edged Pope Francis. Since, concerns have been raised about health and safety in such prolonged contests, in addition to facility availability.
Previously in the playoffs, an eight minute 4-on-4 session was played, followed by an equal length three-on-three without making ice.
“I think from my perspective and my experience as a coach, when you don’t make ice, you are adding the chance that you’re going to prolong the game, rather than end it,” said committee chair Dan Shine, the athletic director, and former 42year coach at Arlington Catholic.
“The ice gets so chewed up, it makes it difficult to move the puck around and put one team in a better position than the other team to score.”
Video review for goals in the state finals, if available, passed by a 15-1 margin. The procedure will be drafted by Nov. 1. Tentatively, an official will be added in the video review booth for the state championship game only. The on-ice officials will be the only ones allowed to initiate a video review.
Framingham AD Paul Spear led an effort to insert goal judges beginning with neutral site venues in the quarterfinals. The motion passed by a 13-3 margin.
The sole responsibility of goal judges, per the USA Hockey Handbook, is to ensure the puck completely crosses the line.
“They are there as a resource to be used,” said Spear. “We can solve a problem that could cost us.”
R Attendance numbers are in for the six state finals March 18 at TD Garden: 18,600, a rise from 14,400 that saw the games in 2023. It was the highest attendance figure since 2013, in which 18,700 descend upon Causeway Street.