newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS — In a move that will see him shepherd the game of hockey over the next two years, University of Alaska Fairbanks athletic director Forrest Karr has been named the next chairman of the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee.

Karr, who is completing his second year as a member of the committee, was elected to the post during the committee’s recent meetings in Indianapolis. The nomination comes with a two year term, which he will begin serving in September.

“It’s always a special feeling when you’re recognized by peers,” Karr said in a telephone interview from Anchorage, “especially peers that you have tremendous respect for.”

The committee is comprised of 13 members from Division I, II and III institutions and gathers suggestions from coaches and experts in anticipation of revising the college hockey rulebook — an action which the committee does every two years. As part of Karr’s responsibilities, he’ll represent the committee at the annual college hockey coaches meetings.

“In some ways it’s dangerous to go into this situation with an agenda,” he said from his cell phone. “I didn’t look for this nomination. I’m not looking to make sweeping changes to the game. I just want to continue to guide this committee to where we’re doing what’s in the best interest of the game at this given time.”

For Karr, the Committee’s biggest challenge and responsibility is to balance the conflict between searching for the best possible game and maintaining the game’s tradition.

It’s a balance the committee is looking to maintain as coaches push for rules changes that reward speed and skill.

“You have to be careful when you make these changes,” he said, “Because there can be unwanted consequences.”

In specific, Karr mentioned the recent rule regarding “the receivable pass.”

The rule, which was intended to promote the flow of the game and offensive excitement — and in turn, goals — allowed for play to continue in situations that would formerly result in icing calls.

While the rule didn’t fail, Karr did say it hasn’t worked as it was intended to, as coaches thought it rewarded lackluster passing.

“We’ve clearly been given a direction,” he said. “You want to give the people with that talent, that skill, that speed the opportunity to use it.”

As for his upcoming term, he said, “I’m excited about it. The future of college hockey is bight and I look forward to maintaining that.”