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High school hockey coaches now have two more minutes to work with per period, that thanks a new rule passed by the Minnesota State High School League on August 5. Starting this season, periods will last 17 minutes instead of 15. The National Federation of High School Associations had changed its rules to allow 17 minute periods after Wisconsin reported good results playing longer periods on a two-year trial basis.

In addition, quick face-offs will be exercised and new goalie's entering during a period will not be allowed to warm-up. All changes are geared towards speeding up the play of the game.

“The board approved the change hand in hand with the other rules,” commented Associate Director Skip Peltier “Along with those changes, by adding two minutes to a period, the game should be just as long chronologically as before.

“I think, especially in Minnesota, it’s going to be a great change,” continued Peltier. “It’s a better opportunity for Minnesota high school hockey players, they’ll get more line changes and more opportunity to play. I think it’s going to be a good change.”

For Ken Orwoll, Chisago Lakes boys head hockey coach, the jury is still out.

“Inconsistency with the referees and how they’re going to handle the change is a concern,” remarked Orwoll. “Really, I don’t think it’s going to make that much of a difference except with some mis-matches. Now, for some teams, instead if winning 11-1, now they’re going to win 18-1.”

As for the pace of the game, the Wildcats have played extended periods before. Several holiday tournaments have been running 20 minute periods. Although there was some discussion about moving the periods to 20 minutes, the league instead settled on 17.

“We played 20 minute periods last season and the game just seemed to drag on,” said Orwoll. “I think most of our games last year went pretty quick. Most of our delays were because of the officials. At this point, in my opinion, it’s not going to make a whole lot of difference.”

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