As the National Hockey League starts its regular season on Tuesday, a Waterloo company will be playing close attention to the new hockey nets that are being used.
The frames were made in Waterloo at Athletica Sport Systems.
“A one goal difference can make the difference between making the playoffs or not.” Adam Pender says. He’s the CEO for the company.
The new nets have a new look. The bars meet in a different place and the depth of the net is four inches smaller.
“The new net is a smaller footprint, smaller depth, and it allows for more puck activity behind.” Pender explains. “The game is a game of inches, and these changes allow for more goals to take place, but more importantly, for the officials on ice and off ice to make the accurate call.”
It’s hoped that the new design can make it easier to call questionable goals. Pender says the bar on the old style net interfered with the view of the puck on the overhead camera. The new versions should offer a better view on the ice and up above.
Former goaltender Jamie McLennan says the new nets allow players more room to make wrap around goals. “Where the net was getting in the way last season, now you can get that lane to the guy and get a good shot on net.”
Athletica Sport Systems only started building the NHL nets a few months ago. The company is supplying 90 frames to the NHL for arenas and practice facilities. The contract is a significant score because it means others are also interested.
“It’s a trickle-down effect. Anything that happens in the NHL is usually followed by all the other leagues.” Pender tells CTV News.
The company is working on an order now for the American Hockey League.
