There will be some new rules next season in the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL).
The league is officially adopting the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) playing rules.
Most of the changes are small, but a couple could have big impacts during games.
When a team clears the puck over the boards in their own zone, they will now be issued a two-minute penalty. Previously, there would be a faceoff in the defensive zone, with the team not allowed to change.
Another change would be allowing goals to count if the puck is going in while the net is knocked off its pegs. It'll be up to the referees to determine whether the puck would have gone in if the net hadn't been removed.
Richard Santos, the general manager of the Chatham Maroons, believes this is the right step for the league.
"It only makes sense that we start adopting the same type of rules," he explained.
Santos explained that the GOHL is a development league, with teams hoping to help their players reach higher levels. He said having players learn different rules when they get the call hasn't helped.
"[Now] when they jump to the OHL, they understand the rules, they're used to the rules, and it's not a different set of rules here and a different set of rules there," added Santos.
Not all rules are being implemented by the GOHL. Players will still be required to wear full face masks, and fighting will still result in a game misconduct. These rules remain in place to ensure player safety.
All the changes are expected to be finalized later this week.
