NHL players on competition committee recommend approval of head shot ban; union board to vote

NHL players union board to vote on head shot ban

NEW YORK — All that stands between the NHL and a rule banning blindside hits to the head is final approval from the players’ association.

The union’s representatives on the competition committee signed off on the new rule Wednesday. The executive board will soon vote on the proposed edict to eliminate dangerous hits against unsuspecting skaters. If the ban passes, the NHL will be allowed to issue supplemental discipline to violators this season.

“We have deliberated and endorsed to the NHLPA Executive Board the League’s proposal to implement supplemental discipline this season for blindside hits to the head,” the six players on the committee said in a statement. “Our Executive Board will vote on this recommendation and we will respond back to the League with a decision in the next 24-48 hours.”