A week ago UNO hosted Bowling Green (two CCHA teams). CCHA has instituted a shootout to determine ties when CCHA teams play each other. (And please, let's not get started about the shootout or I'll have to write a two page profanity ridden rant about the sport going soft. ) Well, Bowling Green won in a shootout with the only shootout goal being scored coming from a player that was ineligible to be in the shootout. He had been assessed a two minute penalty with mere seconds left. According to the rules, he is still considered "to be in the box" during the shootout and thus cannot participate. But all of the officials missed it, as well as UNO's coach. It wasn't until after the game was completed and paperwork was being done by the officials that the mistake was noticed. The two teams were scheduled to play a game the next day. The CCHA decided not to intervene stating that according to their policy, if a matter could have been addressed at the time, and it wasn't, they will not intervene.

I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the subject. Personally, I have to agree with the decision, even though it clearly is an unfortunate result. Fixing it, IMO, would open up an ugly can of worms. What about goals that should or shouldn't have counted? I remember back in'96 UNH was eliminated in double overtime in the NCAA semi-finals when the puck may have been thrown into the net. Once the game is over, it is over.

That being said, in this particular case, there was a very elegant solution, just replay the shootout before the game between the same two teams the next day. I can see why some advocate that if a solution uniquely presents itself, it should be taken. But as I said earlier, I think it just sets a very bad precedent.

Any thoughts anyone?

I wouldn't change the result but I'd suspend or fire the officials who allowed an ineligible player to participate in the shootout. I'd change the rule to order a player who is in the penalty box at that point to be sent to the locker room once time ran out.

Fair enough.

In fact, they did replace the officials for the next game, but I haven't heard anything about any sanctions. But I believe they are scheduled for more games in the future. I've heard by rumor that they are considering keeping anyone who is in the penalty box, from leaving it until after the shootout is completed.

I am kinda with Joe on this one. Firing the officials is extreme, IMO. They could have redid the shootout, but the dummies at the NCAA conventions write the damned things. The coaches should also be aware since they have a vested interest. Most unfortunate, in any case.