Blindside hits to the head are a thing of the past in the NHL, according to an Associated Press report. The executive board of the players? union voted Thursday to accept a new temporary rule that will ban hits to the head against unsuspecting players. The decision takes effect immediately, starting with the league?s 11 games Thursday night. ?We believe this is the right thing to do for the game and for the safety of our players,? NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. ?The elimination of these types of hits should significantly reduce the number of injuries, including concussions, without adversely affecting the level of physicality in the game.?