CCHL Playing Rules

CCHL Playing Rules – 2026-2027

General Provisions:

1. Except as noted in the paragraphs that follow, all games will be played under USA Hockey rules and regulations. In the event of a conflict between the USA Hockey rules and regulations and the paragraphs that follow, the USA Hockey rules and regulations shall take precedence.

2. All games in the Varsity Division will be seventeen (17) minute stop time periods; three (3) periods constituting a game. In the event that the score is tied after 3 periods there will be a 5 minute stop time sudden-death overtime where each team will play 3 on 3. If the game is still tied after 5 minutes, the game will progress to a sudden-death shootout. Ice will be cleaned between the second and third periods. In the case of Kennedy Cup games that are tied at the end of regulation, the game will go to 5-on-5 sudden-death OT, playing full 17 minute periods. The ice will be cleaned after every 2 periods of play.

3. All games in the Junior Varsity Division will be fifteen (15) minute stop time periods; three (3) periods constituting a game. There will not be an ice resurface during regulation play. In the event that the score is tied after 3 periods there will be a 5 minute stop time sudden-death overtime where each team will play 3 on 3. If the game is still tied after 5 minutes, the game will progress to a sudden-death shootout. In the case of Kennedy Cup games that are tied at the end of regulation, the game will go to 5-on-5 sudden-death OT, playing full 15 minute periods. The ice will be cleaned after every 3 periods of play.

4. In the Regular Season, there will be a running clock in the second period after a lead of 7 goals has been established and in the third period after a lead of 5 goals has been established. Stop clock will return when the lead is less than 5 goals. This rule does not apply for the playoffs.

5. Pre-game warm-up periods will be for five (5) minutes.

6. There will be a two (2) minute break between periods where there is no ice cleaning.

7. The home team will supply new pucks for each game.

8. There will be no warm-up period for a substitute goalie.

9. In the event no referee shows up to officiate, certified referees or other officials agreed upon by both coaches shall be permitted to officiate the game. If no agreement on officials can be reached, the ice shall be vacated, the game suspended, and the league president is informed.

10. All coaches shall see that the tradition of shaking hands is followed, when practical, at the end of a game. During the Kennedy Cup playoffs, handshakes will occur at the end of each series, although when advisable on any given series the handshakes may be dispensed with after non-elimination games in that series.