As some of you may know, I commentate on the Champions Hockey League, which is hockey's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League here in Europe. The new CHL season begins today, and this year's competition is using some rather different rules regarding how penalties and power plays are enforced. The full changes and the rationale for them are show below; Tl;dr version = minor penalties don't end after a power play goal is scored, and they are still enforced if a goal is scored before the penalty is enforced (e.g., after pulling the goalie to go 6-on-5), but they do end if a team scores a shorthanded goal.
If these rules changes are a success, I think there's every chance we might see them in other domestic European leagues in the near future, and very possibly in the NHL down the line. Thoughts?
If these rules changes are a success, I think there's every chance we might see them in other domestic European leagues in the near future, and very possibly in the NHL down the line. Thoughts?
For the 2023/24 CHL season, there are a total of 3 rule changes concerning penalties and powerplays that differ from IIHF rules:
RULE#1 - TWO MINUTES MEANS TWO MINUTES
All Minor, Bench Minor or Double-minor Penalties are treated in the same manner as a Major Penalty – no relief. If while a Team is “short-handed” by one (1) or more Minor, Bench Minor, Double-minor or Major Penalties and the opposing Team (playing powerplay) scores a goal (in regular manner, awarded or through a Penalty Shot), no penalty(ies) shall terminate.
Aim of the rule change: The thoughts behind this innovation/change were to streamline rules by following the same approach as during Major Penalties. Moreover, this rule should increase the advantage for the team playing powerplay. Leaving a player in the box for the whole duration of a typical 2-minute penalty should enhance scoring opportunities and ultimately lead to a higher number of goals being scored.
RULE#2 - SERVING DELAYED PENALTIES
Minor, Bench Minor, Double-minor or Major Penalties shall be imposed regardless of whether or not a goal is scored (in regular manner, awarded or through a Penalty Shot) during the delay of the penalties.
Aim of the rule change: This rule adaption follows the same train of thought as for the rule change mentioned first – the infringement of an official rule needs to be served. Meaning that, if a team scores on a delayed penalty situation, the Minor Penalty still needs to be served. With this rule change we are aiming to enhance the scoring willingness during delayed penalties situations, since the team will get additional scoring chances in the two-minute powerplay anyway. All in all, the increase of the advantage for the non-offending team either during the delay or during the penalty is given.
RULE#3 - SHORTHANDER ERASES CURRENT MINOR PENALTY
All Minor, Bench Minor or Double-minor Penalties will have relief when the “short-handed” Team scores (in regular manner, awarded or through a Penalty Shot).
Aim of the rule change: With this rule we obviously try to enhance risk-taking of the short-handed team, which leads to more excitement. (more back and forth) Additionally, we want to incentivize a “short-hander” with an additional benefit. Scoring a “short-hander” does not only bring you on the board but also reliefs you from being one man down. In best case, teams strive for a different PK-playing approach. For example, from a defensive box / zone coverage to a more aggressive approach with an overload or attacking if the opponent is not in secure puck possession.