Saturday, October 10, 2009

The QMJHL rejects the Océanic’s complaint

Press Release

The QMJHL rejects the Océanic’s complaint
2009-10-09

BOUCHERVILLE, Friday, October 9, 2009 – The Commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Gilles Courteau, today rejected the Rimouski Océanic’s complaint regarding the penalty shot which was awarded to the Moncton Wildcats at the end of the third period of last Friday’s game in virtue of article 31 i) of the QMJHL Rule Book.

Article 31 i):

If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during the actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately in the usual manner notwithstanding any delay occasioned by a slow whistle by the Referee to permit the play to be completed, which delay results in the expiry of the regular playing time in any period. The time required for the taking of the penalty shot shall not be included in the regular playing time or overtime.

"The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League recognizes that a mistake was made by the official regarding the interpretation of the rule, which was to award a penalty shot on the play at the end of the game," stated the Commissioner. "Nevertheless, since the call of the infraction occurred before the end of the third period, in virtue of article 31 i) of the Rule Book, the goal remains valid. The final score of 4-3 in favour of the Moncton Wildcats remains official and Rimouski will not be credited with any additional points in the standings. Furthermore, the QMJHL will study the possibility of offering more tools to League officials to avoid that these types of mistakes reoccur."

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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