Premier Andrew Furey is weighing in on Hockey NL’s controversial decision to eliminate the post-game handshake on the ice.

Furey wrote Hockey NL President Jared Butler acknowledging that while the organization has been a leader in encouraging and instilling safe sport in the province, he was disappointed with the decision to cut out the post-game handshake.

Furey says as both a player and hockey parent, he believes the post-game handshake is an opportunity to teach young players the meaning and value of sportsmanship.

He says removing the handshake removes the opportunity to offer congratulations regardless of the outcome of the game.

He asks Hockey NL to reconsider the decision and seek other alternatives to promote player safety while continuing “this time-honored tradition.”