IIHF Rule Book Changes 2025/26 - What’s New and How It Impacts the EIHL

OFFICIALS WILL BE ENFORCING NEW RULE CHANGES THIS UPCOMING SEASON.

Here’s a quick rundown of the latest rule changes from the 2025/26 IIHF Rulebook that will be in play for the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) this season. These updates clear up a few things and add some fresh tweaks for the upcoming games. If the EIHL has a different take on a rule compared to the official IIHF Rulebook, you’ll find the details in the EIHL Casebook.

Rule 27 – Goalkeeper’s Penalties

When a goalkeeper is penalized, the penalty must be served by another player from the same team who was on the ice at the time play was stopped and the penalty was assessed. Accurate communication with the Official Scorekeeper and Statistic staff is essential to confirm which players were on the ice, ensuring that only eligible players serve the penalty time. This rule aims to maintain fairness and proper process when penalizing goalkeepers.

Rule 32 – Linespersons’ Responsibilities

Linespersons are empowered to support Referees by offering their interpretation of any incident observed during the game. Specifically, a Linesperson may stop play and report to the Referees under the following new or clarified circumstance:

• When a goalkeeper plays the puck outside the designated area behind the net (commonly referred to as the "trapezoid" or restricted zone).

This expanded authority ensures that infractions involving goalkeepers are promptly addressed.

Rule 74 – Too Many Players on the Ice

74.5 – Goalkeeper in Overtime

During overtime, if a team removes the goalkeeper in favour of an extra attacker, it is now permitted for the goalkeeper to return to play during active play (i.e., without waiting for a stoppage). This change allows for greater tactical flexibility and strategic substitutions in overtime situations.

Rule 75 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct will be assessed for the following infraction:

• Any player who sits on the boards with skates exposed to the rink during play.

The procedure for enforcement is as follows: The referee will first issue one warning to the offending team (coach and players) and notify the opposing team. After this warning, any future infractions by the warned team in the same game will result in a If a player does this, they'll get a minor penalty. Basically, this rule is about keeping things safe around the bench and making sure everyone stays disciplined.

The EIHL Casebook provides details on specific EIHL interpretations of these and other rules, highlighting any differences from the IIHF Rulebook. Teams, coaches, and officials are advised to consult the Casebook for comprehensive guidance.

The 2025/26 IIHF Rulebook updates bring clarity and new standards to the EIHL, focusing on fairness, safety, and the integrity of game play. It is vital for players, coaches, and officials to familiarise themselves with these changes and refer to the EIHL Casebook for league-specific interpretations.

Stay tuned to see how the teams adjust to these changes and see who can read between the lines and find positive use from the changes.