*All games will be played with "Stop Time" except during the 3rd period if there is a five-goal differential. In that case, the game will switch to a running clock (except for recording penalties) until the goal differential drops below five.
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CSDHL rules to note:
• All CSDHL games will be played with Pegs in the net. including squirts (U10). • All midget (U15-U18) levels will have an ice-cut in the middle of 2nd period. Face off with be at center ice after ice cut.
• Period display will be split in two as displayed below:
• There will be 1 overtime 3 on 3 for 5 minutes goalies start at farthest net from bench, if no winner at the end of period, game will result in a tie.
IHOA has been informed no changes to the rules for the 2024-25 season against the 2023-24 rules
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CCHL rules to note:
JV:
• Kennedy Cup games must have a winner, ice cut every 3 periods
Varsity:
• In the event that the score is tied after 3 periods there will be a 5-minute stop time sudden-death overtime where each team will play 3 on 3. The teams will switch ends in overtime. If the game is still tied after 5 minutes the game will move to a (1 man minimum) sudden death shootout. The home team has the choice of going first or second in shootout • Kennedy Cup games will be played under regulation time rules
• If a game is tied after regulation, a three-round shootout occurs, with no player shooting more than once. • If still tied after three rounds, the game ends in a tie.
Playoffs (Play-In & Round Robin):
• If a game is tied after regulation, a three-round shootout occurs. • If still tied, it continues round-by-round until one team scores and the other doesn’t. • No player may shoot twice until all skaters have shot once. • Playoff games cannot end in a tie.
Championship Games:
• If a game is tied after regulation, a 10-minute sudden-death overtime is played without goalies switching ends. • If still tied, playoff shootout rules apply.
Regular season, Round Robin, and McKeague Semifinals, West Cup Quarterfinals and Semifinals
• 3 on 3 5-minute running clock sudden death overtime period will be used to determine a winner. Overtime is running clock except for Injuries and penalties; clock will restart with puck drop and remain running. • If after the sudden death overtime, the game is still tied, a sudden death shootout will take place. The home team has the choice to shoot first or last. • No player in the penalty box at the end of regulation may play in overtime until the penalty is fully served. • Any player in the penalty box at the end of the overtime may not participate in the shootout. • No player may shoot twice until all eligible players have shot.
West Cup finals series games and McKeague Cup Championship
• Playoff Games – 3 on 3, 10-minutes running clock sudden death overtime period will be used to. determine a winner. Overtime is running clock except for Injuries and penalties; clock will restart with puck drop and remain running. • McKeague Cup Final Series: 5 on 5 10-minute sudden death overtime period will be used to determine a winner. Overtime is running clock except for penalties and Injuries. • If after the first sudden death overtime, the game is still tied, sudden death 3 on 3 10- minute periods will continue until there’s a winner. • Overtime is running clock except for Injuries and penalties; clock will restart with puck drop and remain running.
Please note these were refreshed in December 2024.
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* No ice cut if goal differential is 5 or more at the end of the 2nd period
• Cross-over games ONLY with Scholastic, IL West, Chicago Catholics, etc. will allow for an option of 15 or 17 minute periods.
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Running-Clock:
• If a team leads by 5+ goals in the 3rd period; stops for penalties, injuries, or official discretion. Penalty clocks continue running during stoppages.
Timeouts:
• One 60-second timeout per team per game (including regular season).
Game Outcomes:
Regular Season/Playoffs Round Robin:
• Ties allowed, no overtime.
Bracket Play:
• Sudden-death overtime (5v5, then 4v4), followed by shootout if necessary. No player shoots twice until all skaters have shot once.
• All games are to be played until a winner is determined. In the event of a tie score at the end of regulation play, the overtime format will be as follows:
For qualifying, double elimination, single elimination and tournament championship games:
The teams will take a two-minute break and proceed to play a 5 on 5 sudden death, overtime period of the same duration as the standard, age appropriate game periods. Teams shall defend the goal further from their respective benches during the first overtime period. If a tie still exists after any overtime period, the teams will take a two-minute break and continue to play sudden death, overtime periods until a winner is determined. The teams will change the goals to be defended after each overtime period.
Overtime contingency procedure
If, in the opinion of a committee comprised of the Tournament Director, the President and a third member of the Executive Board appointed by the President, the duration of a game must be curtailed; the following procedure is to be followed: The committee will determine the number of additional overtime periods which are to be played, after which a "shootout" will take place in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 5.13.2.3. The decision of the committee will be communicated to the head coach of each team and the referees no later than the commencement of the last overtime period to be played. The decision of the committee is final with no right of appeal.
Tournamnet consolation games
The teams will take a two-minute break and proceed to play a 5 on 5, sudden death, overtime period of the same duration as the standard, age appropriate game periods. Teams shall defend the goal further from their respective benches during the first overtime period. If a tie still exists after the first overtime period, the teams will take a two-minute break, change the goals to be defended and play a second 5 on 5, sudden death, overtime period of the same duration. Should a tie still exist after two sudden death periods are completed, a "shootout" shall take place in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 5.13.2.3.
Shootout procedure
Each team shall designate three (3) shooters who will alternate in shooting on the opposing goaltender in accordance with USA Hockey rules governing a "penalty shot". Goaltenders shall occupy the goal closest to their team's player's bench for the shootout. The home team shall have the choice of shooting first or second. Eligible players from each team shall participate in the shootout and they shall proceed in such order as the coach selects. The team scoring the greater number of goals shall be declared the winner. If, after 3 shooters from each team have completed their shots, a tie still exists; the shootout will proceed to a "sudden death" format. No player may shoot twice until every eligible player on their respective team has shot. egardless of the number of goals scored during the shootout portion of overtime, the final score recorded for the game will give the winning team one more goal than its opponent, based on the score at the end of regulation play.
Gold - Silver - Bronze (including 8u)
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Elite
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Premier Select
The following applies to all levels:
• No OT for regular season, please see notes for Blackhawk cup OT • 5 goal running clock • No ice cuts for any divisions / levels
• In the 3rd period, a five-goal lead triggers a running clock, stopping only if the lead drops below five, for injuries, penalties, or at the referee's discretion. • Each team gets one 30-second timeout. • The home team enforces a running clock if game time matches remaining ice time.
Please note rules are reflective of the 2024-25 season per feedback from the league(s)
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* If a 5+ goal differential exists after the second period, no ice cut; instead, a 2-minute intermission.
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Game Duration Notes:
• 2-minute intermission after the first period. • 12-minute intermission after the second period for ice resurfacing. • 2-minute intermission before overtime.
Overtime and Shootout:
• Sudden-death 5-minute overtime (3 skaters + 1 goalie per team). • Penalties during 3-on-3 follow USA Hockey rules. • If still tied, a 1-minute intermission, goalies switch sides, followed by a sudden-death shootout. • Players serving penalties cannot participate in the shootout. • All skaters must shoot once before any player takes a second shot.
Timeouts:
• One 60-second timeout per team per game.
Sportsmanship and Conduct:
• No post-game handshakes during regular season games.
Jersey and Uniforms:
• Home team wears dark jerseys.
Varsity Playoff Game Rule Differences:
• Overtime: 10-minute sudden death, full strength. • Subsequent Overtimes: 3 skaters + 1 goalie per team until a winner is determined. • Intermissions: 2 minutes between periods; 12-minute ice resurfacing after the 2nd and 5th overtime periods. • Side Switch: Teams switch sides after each overtime period
