Last line change?

Hi all,
I'm a big fan of Cornell hockey, but I don't follow hockey generally. Therefore, I am confused by some of the terminology.

I often hear that the home team gets the "last line change". What does that mean? At the last game I attended (Cornell at Harvard), the players came on and off ice seemingly whenever the coach dictated. I know that there are unlimited substitutions in hockey, so I don't understand "last line change." Does that refer to something before the game actually starts?

Thanks for your help and let's go Red!

You can change the lines whenever you want during the play. "Last Line Change" goes to the home team during any stoppages. After a whistle, both teams are given ~10 seconds to make a change after which the official will put his arm in the air, indicating that only the home team is allowed to change players. This gives the home team the advantage of being able to match up their lines with whoever they choose from the opposing team.

the last change is an advantage given to the home team (during stoppages of play) so the home coach can get the appropriate line match-up he desires. next time you're at a game watch the referee, he'll skate toward the players bench with his arm extended, when he puts it down he will no longer allow any changes to be made. this will be done when he sees the home team is no longer wanting to get different players on the ice or they're just taking wayway too long (more than 10-12 seconds). another advantage given to the home team is you get to place your stick down last on face-offs allowing your center to better judge the linesmen’s drop.

Thanks...that makes a lot more sense. I see how that could be a big advantage.

[Q]they're just taking wayway too long (more than 10-12 seconds)[/Q]

Under the new fast faceoff guidelines, this is more like 5 seconds.

[Q]another advantage given to the home team is you get to place your stick down last on face-offs[/Q]

This is only for faceoffs along the center red line. At other locations, the attacking center must place his stick in first.