New Rules Have Plenty of Support

Former referee Stephen Walkom, the NHL’s new director of officiating, said Wednesday that the involvement of players, coaches and general managers in formulating new standards to eliminate obstruction would allow the policy to succeed where previous attempts have failed.

“It wasn’t just a couple of people that got together and decided these were the things that needed to be done to fix the game,” he told reporters during a conference call. “This was a whole process. It took a year to do.... If we can free up the puck carrier in the game, I think we can create the excitement that the fans have desired for some time.”

Walkom said the NHL officiating corps would include 33 referees and 34 linesmen, as well as 10 full-time, contracted minor-league referees. Several veteran officials retired, including referee Terry Gregson and linesmen Ray Scapinello, Randy Mitton, Dan McCourt and Kevin Collins.

Officials have been participating in a weeklong conditioning camp in Canada in which they’ve played and officiated using the new standards.

Walkom said that during exhibition games, on-ice officials would be open to questions from players regarding the new standards. “By the time we’re done with the games in exhibition, it will be very clear to them exactly what the standard is,” he said.

In addition, Walkom said he planned to assign officials to work together as much as possible, in order to develop familiarity.

-- Helene Elliott

Ron Francis, one of the NHL’s career leaders in games played, goals, assists and points, announced his retirement, ending a 23-year career. Francis, 42, was a four-time All-Star who played for Hartford, Pittsburgh, Carolina and Toronto. He ranks among the league’s all-time leaders with 1,731 games (third) and 1,249 assists (second).... Forward Ryan Smyth re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers.