The "Sean Avery" Rule

As most of you know, the technique that Sean Avery used to distract Devils goalie Martin Brodeur last night during a 5 on 3 power play has stirred quite a lot of controversy. Many say that Avery's antics were "Bush League", and that it has no place in the sport, but conversely, others say that it was an ingenious way to cause a distraction for an opposing goalie within the rules of the game. However, as mandated by the NHL, rule 75, describing unsportsmanlike conduct, has been amended. Here is the actual text of the updated rule.....

“An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender’s face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play.”

Now you may ask my personal opinion on the rule change, and here it is: Absolute bull****......to put it nicely. While such an instance may be distracting to an opposing goaltender, isn't the purpose of the goaltender screen the same? To prevent the goaltender from getting a clear view of the shot? Yes, I will admit Avery's antics last night were Bush league, but until today, it was within the rules and perfectly legal. It is players like Avery who bring excitement and attention to the game, something the NHL needs to put itself on the map here in America. To add to that, old style hockey that we see today is what sets the NHL apart from other North American major league sports. In what other sport is assaulting another person only punishable by 5 minute timeout from the game? In what other sport can you hit a guy on the other team with the puck as hard as you can against glass boards? This is why people love hockey and the NHL over other sports.

While the NFL is gaining the reputation as the "No Fun League" for considering the regulation of how long an athlete can grow out his hair, hockey players are putting their bodies on the line and doing whatever it takes for just a chance to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup. Even as a fan of a rival team, you have to appreciate what each and every player does on a day in and day out basis to prepare for that chance. However, when people don't appreciate hockey players that are unorthodox, namely Sean Avery in this case, for doing something innovative and new, and complain that the player is a disgrace to the game, then ladies and gentlemen, we have a problem.

For your viewing pleasure, attached is a video of Sean Avery doing what has caused this controversy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec_2oKWe2Gw