College hockey overtime protocols approved; other rule changes announced
By @MichaelCaples –
It maintains the status quo, really, after it looked like there was going to be a shake-up in college hockey – at least in how points are distributed in conference standings.
A rule proposal was initially approved by the hockey rules committee that would ban the use of three-on-three overtime and shootouts to decide ‘victories’ in conference games, as it relates to points in their respective conference standings.
The rules committee ended up backpedaling on that, and now, officially, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has formally approved the proposal that will allow the conferences to use one of two alternative formats to award points in conference standings.
Conferences will continue to be able to use a five-minute, three-on-three overtime period and a shootout, or only a shootout, to award additional conference points.
Conferences can also elect to simply award ties after the traditional five-minute, five-on-five overtime setting.
There were a few other notable changes approved for the upcoming college hockey season, as well, including:
Allowing the use of video review in situations where ejecting a player is considered. The NCAA release says “because such calls are critical and officials must currently make these determinations after viewing the play in real time, the Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Committee believes this change will be a positive.”
The number of skaters allowed on each team has been increased from 18 to 19.
Coaches must use a challenge to review goals scored where a potential high stick is involved or plays where the puck touches the netting out of play and leads to a goal.