North American Intercollegiate Hockey Association (NAIHA) coaches unanimously approved to continue to use three-on-three overtime after successful implementation during the 2017-18 season.  The motion was proposed by the NAIHA rules committee during the annual coaches meetings in Naples, Florida and received unanimous support from member coaches. 

The three-on-three overtime variant is used by the NHL and the vast majority of professional hockey leagues around the world; along with a rapidly growing number of junior, high school, and youth associations.  With other college hockey associations utilizing the five-on-five format, the NAIHA will be the only varsity collegiate hockey governing body using the three-on-three overtime procedures during the 2018-19 season. 

The overtime format reflects the NAIHA's commitment to provide continued hockey development along with a quality college hockey experience for the student-athletes.  In addition to the on-ice experience for the student-athlete, the overtime format creates an added element of excitement for fans and ensures a winner for each regular season contest.

All regular-season games where an NAIHA team is the home team shall use a five minute three-on-three, sudden death overtime and if still tied after the overtime period, the game shall be decided in a shootout. 

At the end of regulation,  the goalies will change ends.  Following the overtime period and before the shootout, the goalies will change ends.

If the game remains tied at the end of the five minute overtime period, the teams will proceed to a three-round shootout.  After each team has taken three shots, if the score remains tied, the shootout will proceed to a "sudden death" format.

About the NAIHA:

The North American Intercollegiate Hockey Association (NAIHA), headquartered in Southfield, Mich., is the governing body of varsity, intercollegiate hockey programs at National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) institutions.  The NAIHA supports the growth and development of varsity intercollegiate hockey programs at NAIA institutions and works with athletic administrators on progress toward championship status within the NAIA.  The NAIHA provides governance and regulation, oversees student-athlete eligibility, unifies playing rules and game day standards, and organizes post-season championship opportunities to student-athletes.