OFFICIAL GAME RUL3S
3ICE OPEN is built around speed, skill, and continuous action. All games are played in a fast-paced 3-on-3 format designed to eliminate stoppages, discourage time-wasting, and showcase creativity and competitiveness.
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Games consist of two short halves with a running clock, ensuring constant flow and high tempo. Traditional power plays and overtime periods are replaced with immediate penalty shots and shootouts, keeping the focus on decisive moments and player skill.
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Goaltenders may play the puck anywhere on the ice, and play continues when the puck deflects off the netting and returns to the ice. Rules such as intentional icing penalties and offensive-zone turnover enforcement are in place to maintain pressure, pace, and attacking play at all times.
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Roster and eligibility standards are enforced to ensure fair competition and alignment with the division's amateur and collegiate spirit, while protecting the integrity of play across regional tournaments and championship advancement.
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The complete and official rule set, including game play, roster requirements, and eligibility standards, is published in advance of each event and enforced by tournament administration.
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Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
Every team and organization enters the 3ICE Open with different goals, timelines, and needs, and we’re here to support you.
If you have additional questions or would like to walk through the team process in detail, we invite you to schedule a customized Google Meet with members of the 3ICE Open Division team. During your meeting, we’ll provide personalized guidance on registration, eligibility, event operations, and planning so you can move forward with confidence.
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Schedule a one-on-one conversation with the 3ICE Open team and let us help you prepare for the fastest game in amateur hockey.
We look forward to connecting with you and welcoming your team to the
3ICE Open Division.
COMPETITIVE GAM3 RULES
OFFICIAL PROTOCOLS & COMPETITIVE STANDARDS
OFFICIAL COMPETITIVE GAME RULES​
Game Format
All games are played exclusively in a 3-on-3 format, consisting of three skaters and one goaltender per team. This format is used throughout each game and is designed to promote speed, creativity, and continuous action.
Game Length
Games consist of two (2) ten-minute halves using a running clock. The clock will stop only for assessed penalties and injury stoppages, at the officials' discretion.
Penalties
There are no power plays in 3ICE competition. All penalties are enforced through an immediate penalty shot. The offending team’s opponent may designate any eligible skater on the ice to take the penalty shot.
Tie Games
Games will not proceed to an overtime period. If the score is tied at the conclusion of regulation, the game will be decided by a shootout. One round of shootouts will be conducted, and additional rounds will continue as necessary until a winner is determined.
Goaltender Puck Play
Goaltenders are permitted to play the puck anywhere on the ice, with no restrictions.
Puck in Play – Netting Above the Glass
If the puck deflects off the protective netting above the glass and returns directly to the playing surface, play shall continue with no stoppage.
Icing
Intentional icing is prohibited and will result in a penalty shot.
A legitimate attempt to advance the puck that inadvertently results in icing will not be penalized.
Any shot taken toward an empty net from behind the center red line that fails to result in a goal will be deemed intentional icing and will result in a penalty shot.
Offensive Zone Retention (Center Line Turnover Rule)
To promote continuous offensive play, if the attacking team voluntarily carries or passes the puck out of the offensive zone and across the center ice line without pressure or interference from the defending team, possession shall be awarded to the opposing team.
