WHL ADOPTS RULE CHANGES
Calgary, AB — Western Hockey League fans can expect some significant changes to the on-ice product for the upcoming 2005-06 season.
The WHL has adopted several rule changes consistent with the rule changes the NHL has put into place for their upcoming season.
The following are the rule changes that will be used, commencing with the 2005-06 WHL exhibition season:
1. Maintain a Tight Standard on Interference, Hooking and Holding
– The WHL will continue to maintain a tight standard on interference, hooking and holding.
2. Goaltenders
– The WHL will use the goaltender’s crease behind the net, limiting the area where goaltenders may play the puck.
– The WHL will emphasize the rule requiring a minor penalty to be assessed to a goaltender who freezes the puck unnecessarily.
3. Overtime / Shoot-out / Points
– There will be one overtime period of 4-on-4 sudden death for a duration of five (5) minutes. If the score is tied at the conclusion of the 4-on-4, both teams will then participate in a 3-man shoot-out. The WHL will use all NHL shoot-out rules, standings and statistics to remain consistent.
– The Point System will consist of:
– 2 points for win in regulation.
– 1 point for each team for a tie at the conclusion of regulation.
– 1 additional point for a win in 4-on-4 or shoot-out.
4. Icing
– Automatic icing will be in effect, with either Linesman having the discretion to wave off a potential icing that results from an obvious attempted pass.
5. Delayed Off-side Rule
-The tag-up rule (clearing the zone) will be used.
6. Lines
– The red line will be removed for the purpose of an off-side pass.
– The blue lines and red line will remain 1′ (12″) in width.
7. Instigator
– If a player instigates a fight in the final five (5) minutes of a game, that player will receive an automatic game misconduct.
8. Diving
-Referees will be instructed to be diligent in assessing an USC (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) penalty for diving to players who dive or embellish in an attempt to draw penalties. The penalty to be announced will be “Two Minutes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct for Diving”.
9. Shooting Puck in Stands
– Players shooting the puck into the stands from their own defensive zone will be penalized with an automatic two (2) minute penalty, which will be applied in an identical fashion to the goaltender penalty for Delay of Game which is currently used.
10. Team Icing Puck Not Allowed to Change
– When the offending team ices the puck from their defensive zone, they are not allowed to change the players “on the ice”. Determination of players “on the ice” will be made when the puck leaves the offending player’s stick.
11. Playing Strength in Overtime
– Any carry-over of penalties from regulation time to overtime will now be served on the same basis as in regulation time.
