2020-2021 Playing Rules re 3on3 and 4on4 Hockey

The puck drops on Period 1 of the GTHL Game Plan on October 7, meaning that MHL teams will finally hit the ice. It’s been over 200 days since the MHL season came to a halt and the League is excited to welcome players back. While traditional League play will not be operating during Period 1, teams will now be able to participate in intra-squad 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 style play.

The style of play in these scrimmages may look a little different from what players are traditionally used to. Here’s how it’s going to work U12 to U18:

  • The cohort of 20 players will be divided into two teams of 10 (1 goaltender and 9 players)
  • No intentional physical contact will be permitted
  • Teams will play two 22 minute run time periods

What about the rules of the game? Well, those will look a little different as well.

  • No faceoffs. The home team will have first possession during the first period, while the visiting team will have first possession during the second period
  • Icing and offside will result in a change in puck possession
  • Penalties will result in a penalty shot

Players U7 to U11 will have all the same rules as above but will instead have a buzzer system implemented for line changes. Rules will also be modified for cross-ice and half-ice hockey (U7 to U9).

For the full outline of rules for 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 play, click here for U7-U9 details, and here for the U10&up details.