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AHL to end hybrid icing experiment

Chicago Blackhawks v Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 4: Brendan Smith #2 of the Detroit Red Wings reaches the puck before Brandon Bollig #52 of the Chicago Blackhawks to get an icing call during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on March 4, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

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The AHL will pull the plug on this season’s hybrid icing testing on Thursday, but it’s not because of poor results. Instead, the AHL explains that it wants to stay consistent with the NHL’s rules since some players will bounce between the two leagues.

“We believe that 564 games has been a sufficient test period for ‘hybrid icing’ and that the application of the rule has been positive for the most part,” AHL president David Andrews said. “But because we have more than 300 players recalled to the National Hockey League each season, it is our view that these players should have the benefit of a consistent application of the icing rule in both the AHL and NHL.”

For some - especially those rendered queasy thanks to icing race related injuries suffered by the likes of Taylor Fedun and Kurtis Foster - this might serve as a disappointment. What if the NHL wants a full season of data before going forward with any tweaks?

Still, the AHL has been consistent about these plans, noting in November that it would go forward with the trial period while the lockout continued.

What’s your take on the rules? Should they stay the same in the NHL, switch to the hybrid setup or go all the way with no-touch icing?