AHL to discontinue use of “hybrid icing” rule to fall in line with NHL

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The American Hockey League voted to discontinue its ongoing test of “hybrid icing” on Tuesday, a move to bring its rules in line with the National Hockey League.

Hybrid icing was adopted by the minor league at the NHL’s request in June 2012.

Designed to reduce serious injuries, the rule stated that in the event of a potential icing violation, the play is blown dead if a defending player is the first to reach the end zone face-off dots, provided the puck has crossed the goal-line at that point.

“We believe that 564 games has been a sufficient test period for ‘hybrid icing’ and that the application of the rule has been positive for the most part,” said AHL president and chief executive officer David Andrews. “But because we have more than 300 players recalled to the National Hockey League each season, it is our view that these players should have the benefit of a consistent application of the icing rule in both the AHL and NHL.”

The “hybrid rule” will continue to be in effect through Thursday’s AHL games.