ROCHESTER - The United Collegiate Hockey Conference has made changes to its men's overtime procedures and point structure for the current season in advance of conference play beginning this week. The changes are for men's conference games only on a one year trial basis, and were ratified by the UCHC's men's coaches and member athletic directors just ahead of the season's start. 

“The UCHC men’s overtime format was driven by the enhancement of student-athlete experience," UCHC Commissioner Chuck Mitrano said. "The Athletic Directors and coaches agreed this will make for an exciting experience for our student-athletes and fans.”

Per NCAA rules, some things will remain the same to start. Teams will still play a sixty minute game followed by a five minute overtime period. If neither team scores in that extra session, the game is a tie on the team's overall win-loss record in the eyes of the NCAA. That does not change from previous years. 

With conference points up for grabs, the changes take effect following that five minute period. Under the new rules, teams would then play an additional five minute period of 3-on-3 hockey followed by a shootout to determine who gets an additional point over the opponent if necessary. 

With those changes in place, a win over an opponent in regulation or in the regular five minute overtime is now worth three points in the UCHC standings, a win in the 3-on-3 or shootout sessions is worth two points in conference play, and a loss in 3-on-3 or the shootout will net a team one standings point. A loss in regulation or the first overtime period will be worth no points. 

Non-conference games will continue to utilize the protocols implemented in previous years. The UCHC Women's Coaches did not adopt the new format and will continue with their existing one.