The USHL owners have approved a new method of overtime that will attempt to end games before they get into a shootout.

The board unanimously approved the new rules that will feature one overtime period of seven minutes. Teams will play 4 vs. 4 for the first three minutes, then will shift to 3 vs. 3 for the final four minutes. If neither team is able to score, then the game will be sent to a three man shootout.

Playoff overtime rules will still remain with a continuous 20 minute periods until a goal decides a winner.


According to the USHL release, 39% of games ended in 4 vs. 4 overtime periods. An even higher 71% of games ended in 3 vs. 3 overtimes.

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