Hockey NL is forging ahead with its change in policy for handshakes during minor hockey games.

In its latest memo on the issue addressed to all Hockey NL members, association presidents are urged to remind coaches of the move to “handshake sportsmanship gestures” before the game starts, in place of the post-game handshake line.

The policy officially took effect January 1st for under-11 to under-18 minor hockey groups.

Game officials have been directed to use discretion at the end of the game to either allow a blue-line stick salute or send teams to their dressing rooms, the same as they do for the first and second intermissions.

They say violations of the new policy should be recorded on the game sheet with a copy sent to the Hockey NL office.

That information will be used at the end of the season to evaluate whether the “trial” run for the new policy is an improvement on the old one.

“The decision was made with a view to reducing the risk and improving safety for all members while continuing to acknowledge the importance of sportsmanship in the game,” reads the memo from Hockey NL. “The pre-game handshake and post-game stick salute are meant to ensure both goals can be accomplished.”