Since it's short, here is the press...

TORONTO - The NHL's modified rule on blindsided hits to the head has finally received approval.

The NHL Players' Association released a statement Thursday saying that its executive board supported the endorsement of the five player representatives on the competition committee.

The temporary rule will give league disciplinarian Colin Campbell the power to hand out supplementary discipline for head hits on unsuspecting players for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

The institution of a permanent rule that includes an on-ice penalty - something NHL general managers recommended two weeks ago - will be discussed over the summer by the competition committee.

Thursday's announcement brought a peaceful end to a potential disagreement between the league and players' union over how rules should be instituted.

The NHLPA said in a statement that it hopes to keep working with the league to make the game safer.