Rule Differences: NHL vs. Olympic Hockey

While hockey is still the same game, there are a few rule changes when you go from the NHL to the Olympics/IIHF. Read up on some of the differences between the two:

	NHL	Olympics
Ice Size	200′ x 85′	200′ x 98′
Goal Distance from Boards	11′	13′
Icing	Hybrid – Linesman judgement based on leading skater	No Touch – Whistle blows when puck crosses goal line
Overtime	4-on-4 for five minutes	4-on-4 for five minutes. In playoff game, 4-on-4 for ten minutes. In gold medal game, 4-on-4 for twenty minutes.
Faceoffs	Visiting player’s stick down first	Attacking player’s stick down first
Rosters	18 skaters, two goalies	20 skaters, two goalies
Trapezoid	Goaltender may only play puck above goal line or within trapezoid	No restriction on where goaltender plays puck.
Goalie Equipment	Size restrictions based on size of goaltender	No restriction on size of equipment
Helmets	Players permitted to play without helmet if knocked off during play. Must be replaced at next stoppage.	Players must return to bench immediately if helmet lost during play.
Head Shots	Anywhere from minor penalty to major/game misconduct.	Minor penalty includes mandatory 10-minute misconduct. Major penalty includes a game misconduct.
Fighting	Five-minute major penalty	Five-minute major penalty plus match penalty; player is tossed from the game.
Penalty Shots	Fouled player must take the shot	Any player on the team eligible to take the shot
Goalie Crease	Players may be allowed in the crease provided they do not interfere with goaltender’s ability to make a save.	Play will be stopped if attacking player is in the creaase. Faceoff will come outside the zone.