2005–06 OHL Season - Rule Changes

Rule Changes

In the 2005–2006 campaign, the OHL along with the CHL has adopted the new playing rules and enforcement of existing playing rules the NHL has established. Significant rule changes include:

• Goaltender Trap Zone - An area behind the net established to keep goalies from playing the puck in the corners. A violation results in a delay of game penalty.

• Delay of Game - Any player shooting the puck out of play from his defensive zone will be called for a 2 minute delay of game minor penalty.

• 2–Line Passes - 2–line passes (passes which cross one's own blue line and the redline before being received) are now permitted. The center red line will only determine icing.

• Shootouts - The shootout has eliminated the tie game. If a game is tied after regulation, a 5 minute, 4-on-4 sudden death period will occur. If the game is still tied after the extra frame, a shootout will occur. With the visiting team shooting first, the teams will alternate and should there be a winner following three shots (or sooner) by both teams, the game is over. However, if it remains tied, the shootout continues sudden death. The teams must go through their roster before allowing any player to take a second shot. The winning team in the shootout will receive one additional goal in the goals for stats, but all goals scored in the shootout do not affect personal stats for the players or goalies.