Stricter fighting penalties coming to USHL

The governing body of organized hockey in this country has voted to stiffen fighting penalties in junior games next season, including in the United States Hockey League.

USA Hockey had its annual four-day congress in Colorado last week and announced it had a record number of registered players in 2013-14. It also decided after lengthy discussion that those who choose to fight in USHL and North American Hockey League games this coning season will incur a 10-minute misconduct penalty in addition to the traditional five-minute fighting penalty.

'We're focused on ensuring the safest possible environment and providing a development program that helps players of all ability levels reach their full potential,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. 'That focus was very evident during our Annual Congress.”