Philadelphia – In the Flyers’ penultimate preseason game against the Boston Bruins, forward Trevor Zegras was assessed a minor delay‑of‑game penalty for “improperly wearing equipment.” The penalty came after Zegras took a face‑off with the back of his jersey tucked into his pants, a practice once considered normal but now subject to stricter enforcement.
League’s new equipment focus
The National Hockey League has instructed officials to crack down on players who do not wear equipment according to the rulebook. This includes visors, neck guards, and, as highlighted by the recent penalty, proper jersey placement. Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that the league gave teams a heads‑up about the upcoming emphasis a few weeks ago.
“They told us, in all fairness, two, three weeks ago,” Tocchet said after the game. “I didn’t even think about it… Obviously, can’t do it anymore. Regular season starts, we can’t have a penalty like that.” He added that he had to place forward Matvei Michkov’s jersey on the bench to avoid a similar call.
What the rulebook says
According to The Athletic, Zegras received a warning before the minor penalty was assessed, which aligns with the NHL rulebook’s procedure. A repeat offense would have resulted in a game misconduct. The rule aims to ensure player safety and uniformity across the league.
Fans and commentators react
Many fans expressed disbelief that a seemingly minor equipment issue could lead to a penalty, especially in a preseason game where teams often experiment with gear. Some pointed out that tucking a jersey into pants was once a common style among players.
Critics of the enforcement argue that the league is focusing on a rule that has rarely been applied in recent years, creating confusion during a time when teams are still fine‑tuning their lineups. However, the league maintains that consistency in equipment standards is essential for player safety.
Impact on the Flyers
The penalty did not affect the final score; the Flyers defeated the Bruins 2‑0. Nonetheless, the incident serves as a reminder that the upcoming regular season will feature stricter scrutiny of equipment compliance. Coach Tocchet indicated that the team will adjust its pre‑game routines to avoid future penalties.
Looking ahead
As the Flyers prepare for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the focus will shift from preseason quirks to competitive play. The league’s equipment enforcement is expected to continue throughout the season, with officials monitoring all aspects of player gear.
Fans can expect the Flyers to emphasize proper equipment checks in practice and during games, ensuring that minor infractions do not distract from on‑ice performance.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
