NHL Players’ Association board supports ban on blindside hits to head

NHL players union board approves head shot ban

NEW YORK — Blindside hits to the head are a thing of the past in the NHL.

The players’ association executive board voted Thursday to accept a new temporary rule that will ban hits to the head against unsuspecting players.

The union’s representatives on the competition committee signed off on the ban Wednesday. It was then left to the union’s board to accept or reject the recommendation. The NHL will be allowed to issue supplemental discipline to violators this season.

This rule is in effect through this year’s playoffs. The competition committee is expected to meet during the summer to create a permanent rule that also will include an on-ice penalty instead of just having punishment after the fact.