Elite 3
Hockey League

Game format

Shootout details

• There is no overtime.
• A game tied after regulation goes to a 3-man shootout, then sudden death.
• After the 3-man shootout, teams can send any player.

One-hour session. There is no flood during the session. The ice is flooded after each game.

Offsides: the floating blue line

• Off the rush, offsides are called as normal at the blue line.
• Once the offensive team has possession in the zone, the zone extends back to the red line.
• Offside whistle. If Team A is offside, the whistle blows and Team B receives possession inside their defensive zone. All of Team A must tag up at the red line before re-attacking.
• Delayed offside. Team A must tag up at the offensive blue line before re-entering onside.
• Puck brought back over the red line. When the offensive team takes the puck back over the red line, it becomes a traditional regroup. Teammates only need to clear the blue line to be onside again.

A video explanation of the floating blue line is coming soon.

Icing

There is no icing at Elite 3. Enjoy!

Puck out of play

• Puck returns to the playing surface: Play continues with no stoppage.
• Puck remains out of play: Change of possession. The referee will place a new puck behind the net of the team gaining possession. The team losing possession must tag up at the red line before re-attacking.

Play on

E3HL is designed to keep the game fast and continuous. Play will continue in the following situations:

• Puck out of play: If the puck leaves the playing surface but returns to the ice, play will continue.
• Goalie saves: Goalies are encouraged to immediately play the puck after making a save.

After a goal

• The team that was scored on starts with the puck behind their net and can attack immediately.
• The team that scored must clear the red line.
• Scorekeepers and referees track the goal scorer and primary assist.

After a save

• Referees encourage the goalie to play the puck (slow whistle).
• If the whistle blows, the defensive team starts with the puck behind their net and the offensive team must tag up at the nearest blue line before re-attacking.
• The referee helps the goalie play the puck and the offensive players tag up.

The clock

Clock stoppages

The clock will only stop for a serious injury. Play will resume with a face-off.

Continuous clock

The clock will continue to run during high-sticks, hand passes, pucks out of play, offsides, penalties, and when the goalie covers the puck. The whistle will stop play, but the clock will continue to run.

Penalty shots

• The penalized team chases from their own end, starting at the top of the circles.
• Players cannot interfere with the shooter.
• The rebound is live.

Penalties

Elite 3 will follow standard hockey rules for minor infractions. Penalties will be determined by our Hockey Canada Certified referees. There is NO body-checking. Battling for the puck along the boards is allowed.

Elite 3 has a zero tolerance policy for dangerous, malicious, or intentionally reckless play. Major penalties will result in a game misconduct and potentially additional league discipline. All major penalties will be reviewed by the E3HL with disciplinary action determined by the league.