Gary Bettman Fines Canadiens Rookie Thousands Just Ahead Of His First Game

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Graham Montgomery
January 13, 2024 (11:06 PM)

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The NHL has a long-standing tradition of letting rookies take a lap by themselves ahead of warmups when they are making their NHL debut. Tonight Joshua Roy got the honor as he made his debut with the Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens Rookie Roy Accepts Fine By Breaking Rule During Rookie Solo Lap

While the night will be one of celebration for Roy and his family, the rookie forward will be getting fined by the league for his solo lap. This is because he took the lap without wearing his helmet.

This is extremely common as many rookies choose to let their flow out during the special moment in their careers. However, there is a rule against this as all players are required to wear helmets during warmups now unless they entered the league before the rule change.

The NHL is making it mandatory for future players to wear helmets during pre-game warmups.

The rule applies to those who entered the league in 2019-20 or later. Players who reached the NHL before then are exempt.

The rule means that Roy will be getting fined by the league for his rookie lap but he is not alone. Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski, both of whom made their debuts on opening night with the Blackhawks, both took their laps without the head gear.

If this trend continues, the NHL may want to consider altering the rule as rookie players clearly are willing to just take the fine.