Hockey is a dynamic sport that thrills fans with its fast-paced action and unpredictable nature. However, there has been a trend in the National Hockey League (NHL) that is dampening the excitement - the tactic of deliberate puck freezing in the defensive corner within the final 30 seconds of a game when the attacking team has an empty net. As noted in the contentious instance involving the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers during the Stanley Cup final on June 24, 2024, important seconds, even up to 13, was wasted thereby altering the course of the game.

We are advocating for a rule change: introducing a special ONE-minute penalty for teams resorting to this tactic (The ONE minute penalty should extend the game for the remaining balance of the seconds, for example if the pack was frozen 15 seconds before the ending of the game, then the game should be extended by and extra 45 seconds without the offending team member confined to the penalty box). This rule will not only maintain the pace of the game but also ensure fairness in competition. NHL, known for its precision in officiating, surely agrees that every second counts in the world of professional hockey. This change will uphold the integrity of the sport and the spirit of competitive play. Let's make sure crucial points in a hockey match are decided by skill, not tactics that detract from the heart of the game. 

Sign the petition to make NHL games more thrilling, fair, and true to the spirit of hockey.