Newfoundland and Labrador Bans Postgame Handshakes in Minor Hockey Leagues

The move, prompted by a series of altercations, has sparked disappointment among hockey figures who emphasize the importance of respect and camaraderie in the sport.

• The hockey governing body in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has banned postgame handshakes in minor leagues due to a series of altercations.
• Instead of handshakes, officials will now direct teams off the ice after the game, and the visiting team will offer a glove tap or handshake before games.
• The decision has been met with disappointment from figures in the hockey world, including Canada head coach Alan Letang, who emphasized the importance of respect and camaraderie in sports.
• The move comes as conduct in amateur hockey is under increased scrutiny, with a coach in Nova Scotia recently charged for allegedly assaulting a referee during a game involving players as young as 9.
• Canada's captain Fraser Minten described postgame handshakes as a 'cool, classy' part of hockey, while teammate Owen Allard recalled seeing disagreements in handshake lines in minor leagues.

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