The spin-o-rama in the overtime shootout has always been a contentious matter.

Some feel they violate the basic rule of the skills competition, which is that the puck needs to always be moving forward towards the opposing goal. Some (raises hand) feel that the shootout, if it needs to exist, should have an anything goes approach that maximizes the fun in what is essentially an entertaining mechanism to end the game without continuous overtimes.

Well, the IIHF has decided that spin-o-ramas have no place in international hockey shootouts, as beginning next season they’ve been banned from use in any sort of penalty shot.

That was one of 19 rules changes the IIHF Rules Congress voted on and approved on Saturday. The previous rule read:

The 'spin-o-rama' type of move where the player completes a 360° turn as he approaches the goal, shall be permitted as it involves continuous forward motion.

The new rule reads:

Spin-o-rama or lacrosse type of moves in penalty shots where the player completes a 360° turn as he approaches the goal will be prohibited.

Guess they did a 180 on that decision …

The NHL’s general managers have debated the legality of the shootout before, but as of now differs from the IIHF on its use. The current NHL rule book reads:

The spin-o-rama type move where the player completes a 360° turn as he approaches the goal, shall be permitted as this involves continuous motion. However, should the puck come to a complete stop at any time during the shot attempt, the shot shall be stopped and no goal will be the result.

Just because the IIHF passes a rule doesn’t mean the NHL will follow suit, but this is an important vote against the spin-o-rama in the shootout and on penalty shots.

Which should make shooters that have perfected it and fans that love it a little bummed. But we’re sure Marty Brodeur doesn’t mind:

Should the NHL ban spin-o-ramas?