Story Summary
A new face-off rule requiring the immediate replacement of a player who commits a face-off infringement, without a prior warning, has provoked strong reactions among SHL clubs. Two rounds into the season, Frölunda’s 3-2 shootout win lasted nearly three hours. Coach Robert Ohlsson used his post-game press conference to criticise the league and referees, saying the focus had shifted from the match to face-offs and warning that the approach could cost hockey spectators.
Key Facts
- The SHL has introduced a new face-off rule: a player who commits a fault in a face-off must now be replaced immediately without receiving a warning.
- The rule is already in effect two rounds into the season.
- A match involving Frölunda lasted nearly three hours under the new rule.
- Frölunda won the match 3-2 after a shootout.
- Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson raised his objections at the post-match press conference and directly criticised the league and referees.
- Ohlsson said the match is no longer the centre of attention but the face-offs, and that the increased length risks costing the sport spectators.
- Reportedly, both teams were visibly irritated by the new rule during the match.
IHM Discussion
The immediate-replacement rule puts a new spotlight on face-offs. Ohlsson argued that stoppages and procedures around draws can dominate a fixture, diluting the flow spectators expect. His Frölunda game lasted nearly three hours, while both teams were reported to be frustrated by the new rule. Ohlsson urged the league and referees to reconsider the approach so that play, rather than face-off administration, remains central.
Why It Matters
Match length and flow are central to the live spectator experience. If enforcement of the new face-off rule repeatedly extends games or shifts attention towards procedural restarts, it could affect the rhythm of fixtures and fan appeal. The dispute puts pressure on the league and officials to balance stricter face-off enforcement with its practical effect on game flow.
Mini Q&A
What is the new face-off rule?
Under the new rule a player who errs in a face-off must be replaced immediately, without first receiving a warning.
How did the rule affect the recent Frölunda match?
The match lasted nearly three hours. Frölunda won 3-2 after a shootout, and both teams were reported to be irritated by the new rule.
What did Robert Ohlsson say about the rule?
Ohlsson said the match is no longer the centre of attention but the face-offs, that matches are taking too long, he does not believe the rule will benefit hockey, and he warned the league that they will lose spectators if it continues.