The CHL had already introduced three rule changes for the 2023/24 season: Minor penalties will be treated the same as 5-minute penalties, penalties will also be called when a goal is scored, and a shorthanded goal can end a minor penalty against a team.
In two days, the Champions Hockey League season will begin for EVZ, and Zug will be playing under the new CHL rules for the first time this season. We explain how they work.
TWO MINUTES MEANS TWO MINUTES
A team that incurs a minor penalty remains shorthanded even if the opposing team scores a goal. Consequently, the penalized player must remain in the penalty box for the entire duration of the minor penalty.
DELAYED PENALTIES WILL BE SERVED
A minor penalty must still be served even if a goal is scored during a delayed penalty.
«JAILBREAK»-RULE
If a team scores a goal while shorthanded during a minor penalty, the penalty against them ends.
«We are aware of the importance of special teams in the CHL – discipline will be key. Aggressive box play gives you the opportunity to end a penalty against your own team when you are shorthanded – I find that very exciting and we will definitely look for our chances there.»
Michael Liniger, Head Coach EVZ
In the 2025/26 season, another rule change will be added.
«NO RETURN» RULE
The «no return» rule only applies in overtime during 3-on-3 play and prohibits teams that have control of the puck in the offensive zone from retreating to the neutral zone. If the rule is violated, play is stopped and the ensuing face-off takes place in the offending team’s defensive zone.
The rule is intended to counteract the tendency to regroup in the neutral or defensive zone even under minimal pressure. This style of play has reduced the intensity of 3-on-3 and led to a higher percentage of games being decided in penalty shootouts.
«In OT, we always want to attack anyway – in this sense, the rules play into our hands.»
Michael Liniger, Head Coach EVZ
THE CHL FORMAT
The CHL will also be played in a new format from 2023/24 onwards. The number of participants has been reduced from 32 to 24 teams – this year, the reigning CHL champions ZSC Lions will be joined by ten other league champions, five qualifying winners, three runners-up from the regular season, and four third-placed teams. EVZ is the only team in Europe to have secured a place in the CHL thanks to a fourth place finish in the qualifiers, because ZSC won the CHL (and thus secured a fourth starting place for Switzerland), became champions, and finished the qualifiers behind Lausanne. The fourth team from the National League is SC Bern.
The first phase of the CHL will no longer be played in groups, but in a single ranking list with all 24 teams. Each team will face six different opponents, three at home and three away. The top 16 teams from the regular season will qualify for the playoffs, where the 1st will face the 16th, the 2nd will face the 15th, and so on.
