The Komets believe Rockford goaltender Scott Dickie should be ineligible because the UHL rules say a third goaltender should be an amateur without any pro experience. The IceHogs say the rule says it just has to be an amateur, and there are no other stipulations.
Dickie played 44 games two years ago with Adirondack, but regained his amateur status by sitting out a year so he could then play college hockey in Canada this season.
It's a loophole in the league rules which will probably be closed this summer. Think the league should be ridiculed for having such a loophole? Maybe, but a lot smarter people have tried to close loopholes on far more important matters and failed. Don't believe it?
Didn't you just pay your taxes?
SUBHEAD: In an emergency
So what would the Komets do if they needed an emergency back-up goaltender? They could not use equipment manager Joe Franke or even Bishop Dwenger product Brian Gratz because they have pro experience and are no longer technically amateurs. They'd have to call a Midwest college to find help.
The league doesn't want teams bringing in ringers to play goal, so you have to limit their ability to bring in goaltenders somehow. I question whether amateurs are the best for the fans, who you are trying to entertain after all with the best quality of your product.
And why should players who have been playing all season have to be cut at the roster deadline? Conversely, teams can sign unproven college players who could have immigration problems. Is that the best talent available for the fans?
No way.
