Per wrote: They are not playing by NHL rules, where you discuss intent and purpose and whether the player turned. They are playing by IIHF rules, which are simpler in this case. All checking to the head is illegal. Doesn't matter if the player is standing, crouching, sitting or lying down. If there is contact with the head, the hit is illegal. Simple as that.
The IIHF are serious about doing something to rid the game of concussions. Wish the NHL were as well.
Then again, at least the NHL now does have a rule against headshots, but a more complicated one, where some head shots are OK and others aren't.
Actually PER, you're wrong. There are mitigating factors in calling the Checking to the head and Neck area that should have applied to the Drouin hit:
2. A player is responsible to keep his head up and be aware of his position and the possibility of being checked. To be checked is a normal part of the game and players should be prepared to protect themselves as approved by the rules.
4. As a guideline, where the major force of the blow is initially to the body area and
then "slides "up to the head area, this is not classified as "checking to the head"
So, buddy tried to get out of a legal check by dropping, Drouin caught his shoulder and his hands slid up into buddy's head. Drouin attempted to deliver a legal hit, and the opposing player refused to be hit. Shouldn't have been a penalty for checking to the head. Could've called a charge, because of the distance travelled, but there's no way that should have been a 10-minute misconduct.
http://en.iihce.fi/Portals/3/IIHF_files ... 52_101.pdf