Discussion Points for Potential College Hockey Rules Changes Ahead of 2024-25 Season

The NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee is gearing up for discussions next week in Naples, Fla., as they look to make potential rules changes ahead of the 2024-25 college hockey season. With deputy athletic director Erik Martinson at the helm, the committee is already engaging in deliberate conversations with each league and coaching body to gather feedback and input on various topics.

One of the main points of discussion will be the ‘double jeopardy’ rule, a unique rule in college hockey where a team can still be awarded a power play even if they score a goal during a delayed penalty call. The committee will debate whether to revert back to the previous rule where the power play is negated.

Another hot topic expected to be addressed is high-sticking the puck. Currently, any goals scored off a stick above the crossbar are waved off, but there may be discussions on allowing sticks to play the puck shoulder-level or lower.

Additionally, the committee will delve into the initiation of video reviews, the consequences of unsuccessful challenges, and the possibility of allowing video devices on the bench for coaches to review plays.

One notable issue that may be revisited is the continuation of play rule. This season saw instances where goals were disallowed due to early whistles, prompting discussions on adopting a continuation rule similar to the NHL.

With a myriad of topics on the table, the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee is poised to make significant changes that could impact the game for years to come. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of next week’s discussions in Naples.