As you know the players overwhelmingly voted to change our OT period to 3-on-3 with a shootout if still tied after the OT period. Below are the key changes to the game format and rules as well as changes to our standing tie breaker rules:

1. Games will be played in three periods, each with a 20 minute run time clock, plus an additional 5-minute 3-on-3 sudden death overtime period if the game is tied after regulation play. If the game remains tied at the end of the five (5) minute overtime period, the teams will proceed to a three-round shootout. After each team has taken three shots, if the score remains tied, the shootout will proceed to a “sudden death” format. All games include a 5 minute warmup and a 1 ½ minute break between periods. Run time is stopped upon penalties, injuries, 2 minute stop clock, team time out, captain’s time out or at referee’s discretion.

2. Penalties in Overtime: Manpower during overtime will be adjusted to reflect the situation in the game, but at no time will a team have fewer than three (3) skaters on the ice during the overtime period. If a minor penalty is assessed during overtime, the teams will play 4-on-3. If a second minor penalty is assessed to the same team during overtime, the teams will play 5-on-3. As these penalties expire and there are no stoppages, the penalized team adds players until play is 5-on-5. The manpower is adjusted accordingly at stoppages in play to get teams back to 3-on-3 play.

Case Examples:
• Case 1. Team A is assessed a penalty during regulation that carries over to the overtime period. Team B enters the overtime period on a power play, manpower would be adjusted from 5 on 4 at the end of regulation to 4-on-3 at the start of overtime. When Team A’s penalty expires, Team A adds a player to the ice making the manpower 4-on-4. At the first stoppage of play after the penalty expiration, manpower is adjusted back to 3-on-3 (providing no other penalty has been assessed.)
• Case 2. Team A is assessed a penalty during the overtime period. Manpower is adjusted from 3-on-3 to give Team B a 4-on-3 power play. When Team A’s penalty expires, Team A adds an additional player to the ice making the manpower 4-on-4. At the first stoppage of play after the penalty expiration, manpower is adjusted back to 3-on-3 (providing no other penalty has been assessed.)
• Case 3. Team A is assessed a penalty during the overtime period. Manpower is adjusted from 3-on-3 to give Team B a 4-on-3 power play. Prior to the expiration of Team A’s penalty, Team B is assessed a penalty which also creates a stoppage of play. Manpower is adjusted back to 3-on-3 as both teams now have a player in the penalty box. If there is no stoppage prior to the expiration of either team’s penalties, each team adds a player as their penalties expire, making the manpower 4-on-4. At the first stoppage of play after the penalties have expired, manpower is adjusted back to 3-on-3 (providing no other penalty has been assessed.)

For additional case examples (NHL) – Click here

3. Standings and Tie Breaker Rule: In the regular season, 2 points are awarded for each win and 1 point for each overtime loss. In the event of a tie in points the following tie breaker rules will be applied:
1.  In case of tie for points, team with highest ROW (regulation + OT wins/non-shootout wins) You will see the ROW column in the regular season standings page. This is only used for tie breaker purposes.
2.  In case of tie for points and ROW, the teams head-to-head record* will be used.
3.  In case teams are still tied, team with highest Goals For/Goals Against differential.
4.  In case teams are still tied, team with most Goals For.
5.  In case teams are still tied, team with least Goals Against.
6.  In case teams are still tied, a coin toss.
* Head-to-head record – The team’s regular season wins when they played each other.