The NHL and NHLPA are looking for feedback on arena ice conditions.
According to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca, the NHL is forming a new subcommittee titled the NHLPA/NHL Playing Environment subcommittee. After games, players will be able to provide ratings on ice conditions through each period.
https://twitter.com/RealKyper/status/828786490490679296
https://twitter.com/RealKyper/status/828786962622464000
The subcommittee will give players a platform to air grievances about poor ice surfaces while providing valuable feedback to team’s who are unaware how bad their ice is.
Ice issues have been problematic in the NHL in certain venues. Most notably, the New York Islanders home ice at the Barclays Center. Last season, Islanders players and coaches criticized the awful ice at the arena. Earlier this season, it was revealed the floor piping system at the Barclays Center didn’t meet the standard requirements for ice-making.
Barclays Center is the obvious example, but some under-the-radar surface issues might become more known with the surveys. There’s little negative to providing feedback. It will make the game safer and encourage areas to create high-quality skating surfaces – which should have been the goal before reports were in place.
A better ice surface means a better hockey game. I’d be shocked if anyone wasn’t willing to provide feedback to improve ice conditions. It benefits everybody.
[theScore]
