Mon 7 Sep 2026 - 10:00AM

SHOOTOUTS REMOVED FROM ELIMINATION GAMES

The Motorpoint Elite League Board has agreed to remove shootouts from elimination games from the 2026/27 season.

In the Challenge Cup Elimination Game, Challenge Cup semi-finals (second leg), Motorpoint Playoff quarter-finals (second leg) and Motorpoint Playoff semi-finals, tied games will no longer be decided by three-on-three overtime followed by a shootout.

Instead, if overtime is required, teams will first play a full 20-minute period of five-on-five sudden-death overtime after a full intermission. If no winner is found, and following a second intermission, teams will then play continuous periods of three-on-three sudden-death overtime until the winning goal is scored.

The format for the Challenge Cup Final and Motorpoint Playoff Final will remain unchanged, with continuous periods of five-on-five sudden-death overtime played until a winner is determined.

The regular-season in the Motorpoint Elite League and Challenge Cup group stage will continue with overtime and a shootout, if required.

“The overwhelming feeling among the Board and Hockey Operations was that places in finals, or at the Playoff Finals Weekend, should not be decided by a shootout,” said Liam Sewell, Head of Hockey Operations for the Motorpoint Elite League.

“We wanted the players to decide who wins these games during overtime and this format allows that to happen. In some cases, we have to be mindful that teams may need to play again the following day or only a few days later.

"Moving to three-on-thre from the second overtime period, if required, keeps shootouts out of elimination games while increasing the likelihood of a winning goal being scored.”

At Motorpoint Playoff Finals Weekend, there will now be a minimum of 75 minutes between the end of the first semi-final and the start of the second semi-final if overtime is required in the opening game.