The total number of penalties has increased by ten percent compared to last year.
The Ice Hockey Championship League says that the rules, which have been tightened for this season, have increased the number of suspensions given for holding, blocking and hooking.
The league tightened its interpretations of blocking and holding before the start of the season. The purpose of the changes is to bring out the skill better in the SM league.
According to the SM League, after 134 matches, the total number of penalties has increased by ten percent compared to last season. In particular, more penalties have been awarded for holding, blocking and hooking than last season. On the other hand, fewer punishments have been handed out for yelling, fighting and violence.
The number of penalties this season in the SM League is in line with the penalties imposed in 2015–2020. During the previous two seasons, the number of penalties in the SM League was significantly lower compared to the comparison period in question.