Dave Tallon submits coaches challenge proposal
Florida Panthers general manager Dave Tallon has submitted a proposal to the National Hockey League director of hockey operations Colin Campbell that would give coaches the right to challenge a call.
The concept is set to be discussed at the upcoming general managers' meetings in Toronto on 9 November. It is unlikely that a decision will be made at the Toronto meetings as new rules are rarely instituted early in the season. However, Tallon is hoping
that the proposal will generate conversation and the GMs may be able to come to an agreement by the March meetings.
The concept gained steam after Toronto Maple Leafs forward Colton Orr clearly interfered with Florida Panthers net-minder Scott Clemmensen on a game-winning goal. After the game, Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson acknowledged in a press conference that Orr
made illegal contact with the goaltender.
Tallon’s initial proposal dictates that the challenge would only be allowed to be used on goal-related plays. Moreover, the challenge must be issued within a prescribed time limit, the club must have a time-out remaining before challenging a play, and much
like the National Football League, a lost challenge will result in the loss of the time-out. Conversely, a successful challenge allows the club to keep their time-out. Tallon’s proposal also states that each team will only be given one challenge per game.
Tallon maintains that his proposal is one he hopes the League will be able to talk about and determine their own criteria for.
A coaches' challenge could be beneficial in a game that arguably moves faster than any other in North America. The NHL is constantly looking for ways to improve play and holds a prospects weekend in which possible new rules are instituted during a junior
game.
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