Ice Hockey: NHL keeps nets in face of fans' complaints

The North American National Hockey League begins its 86th season today, promising to open the game up by cracking down on obstruction penalties and speeding it up with quicker line changes and face-offs.

Safety netting has been installed in all 30 NHL arenas, a response to the death last season of 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil, who was struck by a puck at a Columbus Blue Jackets' game.

Reaction to the netting was not favourable during the pre-season, with many fans complaining it obscured their view, but the NHL's commissioner, Gary Bettman, said: "This netting, I believe, is something that you will adjust to."

The League is equally committed to its highly publicised effort to eliminate the clutching and grabbing that has slowed the game and reduced scoring in recent years. Implemented after consulting with general managers, coaches and officials, the plan is to reduce interference and penalise players who forecheck without the puck.

NHL officials believe the new enforcement policy will open the ice and lead to increased scoring. They are hoping it does not lead to endless power plays and penalty boxes that look like a commuter-train platform at rush hour.