The Utica Comets Will Start Off the 2015-2016 Season With Some Rule Changes

Sure, the playoffs ended last month, but it's never too early to start thinking about the upcoming season for the Utica Comets. The AHL Board of Governors have made some rules changes for this year, though.

I can already hear it - the crowd cheering 'U-TI-CA, U-TI-CA, U-TI-CA,' over and over in the AUD. The Utica Comets will start their 2015-2016 regular season in October, but there have been some rule changes since this last season. The American Hockey League Board of Governors wrapped up four days of meetings just last week (discussing all these rule changes).

Rules changed for the season schedule, reviews on plays, and even some overtime rule changes. The overtime rule changes were the most 'dramatic' though. According to the Utica Comets website,

• During the regular season, the sudden-death overtime period will be five minutes (5:00) in length.
• Full playing strength will be 3-on-3 (plus goaltenders) for the entire period.
• Overtime will be preceded by a “dry scrape” of the entire ice surface.
• Teams will change ends at the start of overtime.
• If the game is still tied following overtime, a winner will be determined by a three-player shootout.

 

And that's just a look at the overtime rule change! (which I'm actually kind of excited to see). Other changes were made to the 'Coach's Challenge' on video review, and a few small rule changes to the face-off procedure. You can see all of the changes here.

Even with these differences going into the 2015-2016 season, I'm still excited for the Utica Comets! It's going to be a great season - and I know they're going to go far!

Let's Go Comets!

[Utica Comets]