The East Coast Elite League Board of Governors on Monday approved rules changes for the 2016-2017 season that will change the overtime format to 3-on-3 for five minutes.  If still tied, a three man shootout will occur. 

The board acted on the series of recommendations to enhance the East Coast Elite League and the competitive play it will bring to the conclusion of each game.

3-ON-3 OVERTIME

A five minute 3 on 3 sudden death overtime will occur if a game ends in a regulation tie.  If still tied after the 3 on 3 overtime, then a three man shootout will occur followed by sudden death.  During sudden death shootout, there is no limit on which player shoots and how many round they shoot for.

Full details are disclosed below:

1. Teams play an additional overtime period of not more than five (5) minutes with the team scoring first declared the winner and being awarded an additional point.

2. The overtime period will be played with each team at 3-on-3 manpower (plus goaltender) for the full five-minute period.

3. Manpowers 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. For example, if a team 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. 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.

4. 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.

5. At the end of regulation, there will be no further ice surface maintenance during the balance of overtime period and or the shootout. Ice resurface will only occur after the end of the game.