BillF explained, in part... > In the NCAA rulebook, Rule 6-46 lays out the time structure of the game (three > 20-minute periods with 12 or 15-minute intermissions, etc.) and Rule 6-47 > describes the procedure to use in the event of a tie at the end of regulation > (two-minute intermission, no resurfacing or change of ends, five minute OT, > first score wins). Rule 6-48-a then states the following: > > "Where advancement in a bracket or the determination of a tournament champion > is necessary, any series in a format (e.g., total-goals series, single game, > minigame series) that results in a tie shall be broken by 20-minute, sudden- > death overtime periods. The ice shall be resurfaced upon completion of > regulation play. The teams shall not change ends (except as indicated in Rule > 6-44-b). Third-place games may follow the overtime procedures as described in > Rule 6-47." But this year's rule book adds a part b to this: (quote) b. For regular-season tournaments only, any game that results in a tie may be broken by use of a shootout under the following conditions: (1) Teams play a standard five-minute overtime. (2) If game remains tied, it shall officially be recorded as a tie. (3) Teams participating in the tournament must be notified not later than October 1 of the upcoming season that the shootout option will be used. (end quote) At Maine's JC Penney tournament this year, the 3rd place title game, if ended in a tie, would have been decided by a 5-man total-points shootout. Some people might also be unaware of the next rule. It allows instant replay in tournaments, under certain conditions. cheers, Wayne T. Smith mailto:[log in to unmask] Systems Group - UNET University of Maine System Co-owner of the College Hockey mailing lists HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.