The Western Hockey League (WHL) has announced that they will not be implementing a new overtime rule for the upcoming 2020-2021 season.
The proposed rule, which would have seen teams play a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period followed by a shootout, was met with mixed reactions from fans and players alike.
According to the WHL, the decision to not implement the new rule was made after careful consideration and consultation with team executives and general managers.
In a statement, WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said, “After reviewing the feedback from our teams and taking into account the current state of the game, we have decided to maintain the current overtime format for the upcoming season.”
The proposed rule was initially put forward by the WHL’s competition committee in an effort to reduce the number of games that end in a tie. However, many players and coaches expressed concerns about the potential impact on player safety and the integrity of the game.
Some argued that the 3-on-3 overtime period would lead to more injuries and fatigue for players, while others believed that the shootout would take away from the team aspect of the game.
The decision to not implement the new rule has been met with mixed reactions from fans. While some are relieved that the traditional overtime format will remain, others were looking forward to the excitement of a potential shootout.
The WHL’s decision to maintain the current overtime format for the upcoming season is a testament to their commitment to the safety and integrity of the game. As always, the league will continue to monitor and evaluate the overtime rule and make any necessary changes in the future.
