The International Ice Hockey Federation approved rule changes on Friday for its overtime and shootout format in the upcoming season.



In the preliminary round of international tournaments, overtime will be played up to five minutes with three-on-three skaters. If the game is still tied, a shootout with three rounds (and if necessary, tie-break shots) will take place.

For playoff games (except for the gold medal game) the overtime period will be played four-on-four for 10 minutes. If still tied, both teams will go to a five-round shootout and potential tie-break shots.

In the gold medal game, overtime will be played up to 20 minutes with five-on-five skaters. If overtime settles nothing, a shootout with five rounds and potential tie-break shots will take place.

The new format will be apllied at the IIHF men’s, women’s and junior categories for World Championships at all levels.