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It is well known that the NLL is cracking down on head shots, off-ball cross checking and other “dangerous plays.”  The referees have been instructed to “clean up” parts of the game to improve offensive flow.  I worry that in doing so what we are left with is a game both frustrating and lacking.    

As I was watching the first half of the Wings and Knighthawks game on Friday, I couldn’t help but be annoyed by some of the ticky-tack fouls being called.  Slashing penalties were being handed out like chewing gum, 5-minute majors assessed without a second thought.

In one play, Philly’s Rob Van Beek scooped up a loose ball, built up a head of steam, lowered his shoulder and ran over Shawn Evans.  There was some incidental contact made between helmet’s causing Shawn’s to come off.  Van Beek was awarded a 5-minute major for elbowing.  It looked like a bad call at regular speed, but the slow motion replay confirmed that Van Beek kept his elbow at his side making contact with his shoulder.  

Fortunately it seemed the calls evened themselves out over the course of the game as Chris Schiller of Rochester got 5 in the third quarter for an illegal cross check.  We did not get a chance to see that one a second time, but it appeared to be more of a hold than a dangerous check. 

I don’t bring these instances up as a criticism of the referees.  They are being told to call the game tighter.

I understand that the intent of the harsh penalties and strict enforcement is in part safety.  No one wants to see athletes injured, especially by cheap shots.  But let’s face it …lacrosse is a contact sport.  Players and fans alike appreciate the aggressiveness.  I found myself and the fans around me agitated about the flow of the game and the penalties being called. 

The NHL cracked down in 2005 on hooking, holding, tripping, slashing, cross checking and interference.  The intention was to allow offensive players freedom to move.  The immediate result was an increase in penalties and increased importance on the power play.  Over time, players get used to the way a game is called.  But is what we are giving up worth it?  Are aggressiveness and flow necessarily mutually exclusive?  Do we really want a wide open game with no hitting?  Isn’t half the appeal of lacrosse and hockey for that matter, watching the stars battle for success in a physically demanding environment?

Despite my level of irritation, I was impressed at the relative calmness of both Dave Huntley and Ed Comeau throughout the game.  In light of such potentially momentum changing calls, both head coaches kept their cool.  I might need to start meditating now in preparation for next winter. 

In the case of Philadelphia, which is trying to win their fans back, it does seem to make a difficult job even harder.  The announced attendance at Friday night’s game was 9,248.  That is without competition of the Eagles post-season or any other significant sporting event.  I can only assume that as the word gets out about the ‘08 Wings, the fans will start to come back.  I just hope they still enjoy the product.

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