2026 – 2028 Rule Updates & Clarifications
Hockey Northwestern Ontario is sharing several rule updates and clarifications for the 2026–2028 seasons. These updates include the final pilot season of HNO’s Tiered Penalty structure, as well as rule changes and clarifications that will apply more broadly throughout the game.
Players, coaches, officials and families are encouraged to review the information below ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Tiered Penalties – Final Pilot Season – U11 A to U13 AA
HNO’s Tiered Penalty structure will enter its final pilot season in 2026–27 for the U11 A through U13 AA levels.
Double Minor – Body Contact
A double minor penalty may be assessed for intentional body contact at the U11 and U13 age groups.
Three Penalties = Ejection
A player who receives a combination of any three (3) penalties within a single game will be automatically ejected.
*A double minor only counts as one penalty.*
Puck Hits Goaltender’s Helmet – U13 and Below
When a puck strikes a goaltender’s helmet, officials will stop play when it is safe to do so while allowing for a direct deflection into the goal prior to blowing the whistle.
Officials will use their discretion to stop play at the appropriate time.
High-Stick Clarification – All Levels
A high-stick minor penalty will only be called if a player makes contact with an opponent above the shoulders.
Incidental contact to the helmet, caused by a natural follow-through or unintended play, will not be penalized.
Refusing to Start Play – Rule 10.8
Teams are expected to be ready to start play when instructed by officials. Deliberate delays negatively impact the game and will now result in increased penalties.
Step 1: If a team refuses to start play when instructed by officials, a Bench Minor will be assessed, or a Penalty Shot if the incident occurs in the final two minutes of regulation or during overtime.
Step 2: If the team continues to refuse to start play, the Coach will receive a Game Misconduct and the game will be forfeited.
Delayed Penalties After a Goal – Rule 4.2(b)
If Team A is shorthanded, a delayed time penalty is signaled against Team B, and Team A scores a goal, the delayed penalty is still assessed.
This is because the team that is scored upon is not shorthanded.
HNO encourages all players, coaches, officials and families to familiarize themselves with these updates ahead of the season. Additional rule information and resources are available through Hockey Northwestern Ontario.
