Dallas Stars commentator Daryl "Razor" Reaugh has a column on the Stars' website to share his thoughts about the hockey world, and this week, he took issue with what some might consider a minor aspect of the ice. His target? The pesky center-ice red line.
Reaugh is upset because current league legislation requires the red line to run the full length of center ice, meaning it slices through team logos which are also painted at center ice. The only exceptions are the Flyers' and Canadiens' logos, as both of those teams chose to create mirror images of their logos painted on either side of the red line.
Reaugh claimed the presence of the red line "desecrates" the Stars logo, which he said the organization spent "countless" hours trying to perfect.
"Individual team logos should NEVER be defiled, debased or dishonored," Reaugh wrote. "That’s why jerseys – even practice jerseys - never hit the floor and why dressing room carpet logos are never treaded upon. I know its too late for the 2015-16 season but I'm making it my mission to get this unnecessary practice of 'striping' the team logos either altered or abolished going forward. It's an honor and respect thing."
Reaugh proceeded to show ways in which other teams from other leagues have kept the sanctity of the team logo intact. In the NFL, yard-line markers do not interfere with team logos at midfield, and NCAA hockey teams also have unsullied logos at center ice.
If the NHL changes the practice, it will have to change the rules, as Rule 1.1 in the NHL handbook dictates "On-ice logos must not interfere with any official ice markings provided for the proper playing of the game."
Rule 1.5 legislates that, "There shall also be a line, twelve inches (12'') in width and red in color, drawn completely across the rink in center ice, parallel with the goal lines and continue vertically up the side of the boards, known as the 'CENTER LINE.'"
It is unclear how Reaugh plans to get the NHL to change the rules about red lines, but considering players are willing to jump over logos in locker rooms, he might be able to get quite a few people within the NHL to take his side on this logo issue.
(h/t Dallas Stars)
