Official C.J. Beaurline, shown calling a penalty in a recent game between Centennial and Duluth East, said officials are told, '‘We can defend your call but we can’t defend your non-calls or a lesser call.'' Photo: RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII, Star Tribune
Just days after his life was changed forever by an illegal hockey check from behind, high school sophomore Jack Jablonski lay paralyzed in a hospital bed determined to see the sport become safer.
Seven years later, his mission — one shared by his family and hockey leadership in Minnesota — has yielded dramatic results.
A Star Tribune review of high school penalty data from more than 18,000 games played throughout Minnesota over nine seasons reveals a significant drop in calls for checking from behind and boarding infractions.
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