Let's not shake on it: Premier, former pro weigh in on Hockey N.L.'s decision to end post-game ritual

A decision to end the traditional post-game handshake in Newfoundland and Labrador minor hockey continued to ignite debate Friday, with Premier Andrew Furey and a prominent hockey school owner weighing in. 

Furey, in a letter sent Friday to Hockey N.L. president Jared Butler, called the decision disappointing.

Furey said he views the post-game handshake as an opportunity to teach young players the meaning and value of sportsmanship, "allowing them the time to meet their opponent and offer congratulations, regardless of the outcome."

Furey called on Hockey N.L. to "further explain" and "possibly reconsider" the decision, and "seek out other alternatives that will promote player safety while continuing this time-honoured tradition."

But the owner of a St. John's hockey school who is also a former professional player is applauding Hockey N.L.'s decision.

Xtreme Hockey owner Andrew McKim said the post-game handshake has disappeared in many other arenas throughout North America. That's because, he said, it often leads to friction, including fisticuffs, because players and coaches are charged up following a fast-paced and sometimes physical game.

He said it's a challenging situation for on-ice officials — some of whom are teenagers — to control and monitor because it often involves nearly 40 people snaking through a handshake line, when emotions are high following three periods of puck battles.

"It's a tough game and they're probably not happy after a game," McKim said of the players and coaches.

"It's hard sometimes (for young players) to take their emotions away. The kids are learning, and you know the parents are learning too," he added.

The governing body for minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador, Hockey N.L., touched off a debate this week that made national headlines after the body's minor council issued a memo to associations throughout the province on Wednesday.

The memo was signed by minor council chair Gonzo Bennett, but it was item No. 4 in the memo that has stirred up so much controversy.

Bennett wrote that because of recent "issues" with post-game handshakes that resulted in suspensions for players and coaches, the decision was made to end the practice.

Bennett did not provide any specifics, and CBC News has not been able to arrange an interview with Bennett or any other members of Hockey N.L.

CBC spoke to some minor hockey leaders this week who said they were not consulted on the decision.