High school hockey will have a safer look to it, at least if rules changes announced today by the National Federation of State High School Associations have their intended impact.

The NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Committee approved two measures that will strengthen penalties for checking from behind.

Rule 6-7-1 states: "No player shall push, charge, cross-check or body-check an opponent from behind in open ice." Violation of that rule would result in a minor and misconduct penalty.

Rule 6-7-2 states: "Hitting from behind into the boards or goal frame is a flagrant violation." Violation of that rule would result in a game disqualification.

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