In a recent announcement, Hockey NL, the hockey governing body in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, has officially prohibited postgame handshakes in the minor leagues due to a series of altercations.
The decision was disclosed last week, with Gonzo Bennett, chair of Hockey NL's minor council executive committee, addressing the ongoing issues in a memo. These incidents have resulted in suspensions for both players and coaches, prompting the organization to take a decisive stance.
As a replacement for traditional handshakes, teams will now be directed off the ice immediately after the game. The new protocol involves the visiting team skating by the home team's bench and offering a glove tap or handshake before the game begins.
This shift in tradition aims to mitigate tensions and foster a more controlled environment after games, ensuring the safety and sportsmanship of all involved in the minor leagues in Newfoundland and Labrador.
