WNHL Format and Rules

WNHL Rules follow Hockey Canada Guidelines with a few exceptions as stated below.

  • Players showing any COVID-19 Symptoms or have tested positive within 5 days will not attend WNHL Games or Events
  • Helmets must be worn at all times while on the ice
  • Disrespect to the refs will carry 4 minute Double Minor for Unsportsmanlike and following Unsportsmanlike will result in a Game Misconduct
  • Games are 3 12 minute periods with stop time the last 3 minutes of each period
  • At the end of each period teams will switch ends
  • Games with the exception of WNHL Championship Game will end in a tie. For the Championship Game there will be a 5 minute 5 on 5 OT and then a NHL Style Shootout.
  • When a goalie is struck in the mask the play will be blown down and the faceoff will remain the in offensive zone
  • When a player is injured the play will be blown down and the faceoff will be at the closet faceoff dot. This is will be completed at the Refs discretion. The timekeeper will stop the clock during injuries
  • Offsides in effect
  • Pucks that hit the mesh above the glass the play will be blown down and the faceoff will be at the closet faceoff dot
  • Blue-line no touch icing but players can substitute on a icing whistle
  • Quick faceoffs (make your line changes between whistles quick), refs will drop the puck regardless if the centreman is ready. 
  • When a penalty is committed the timekeeper will stop the time to set the penalty and ensure there is a full two minute penalty to start. All penalties are stop time during their duration.
  • Timeouts: one 30 sec timeout once per game. Timeouts stop the time at any time during the game
  • No slap-shots unless you have a clear path to the net. Meaning no players between you and the net
  • 3 penalties in a game = game ejection, and possibly further discipline
  • For too many men penalties a player that was on the ice at the time of infraction must serve that penalty
  • Sticks that are broken need to be dropped immediately and pushing or moving a discarded stick towards an opposing player will be a 2 minute penalty  
  • If a goalie is late the team can start the game with six players if the ref wants to start the game
  • If a goalie is given a game misconduct the team must play with 6 players on the ice
  • Goalies for pushing the net off it’s pegs intentionally will get a warning and then a 2 minute Delay of Game Penalty served by a skater
  • Aggressive play is STRICTLY prohibited (ie. contact, especially along the boards). Pinning and using your body to gain position is allowed as it is part of the game, but throwing your weight, clutching, and hooking aka “tugging” is not.
  • Intent to injure will carry a minimum 2 game suspension (up to a max of 10) with or without a Major Penalty being assessed
  • Fighting will include a 10 game suspension that can cross over into a new season
  • Barehand or a gloved punch to the head or attempted punch to the head, even if it is not deemed a a fight by the official, a 2 game suspension will be handed out
  • A pattern (more then one event of a fighting or attempt to injure) will result in dismal from the WNHL permanently
  • Always remember Bros before Goals!

Players Please Review and Sign this attached Waiver for the 2022-2023 Season