Champions Hockey League pilots ‘no return’ rule for overtime retreats

Regrouping in the neutral zone in overtime is coming to an end.

While the NHL sticks with regular 3-on-3 overtime, the Champions Hockey League in Europe is introducing the “No Return Rule” to its games this season, barring the maligned regroup in the extra frame. 

“The ‘No Return’ rule will prohibit teams in control of the puck in the attacking zone from retreating into the neutral zone during overtime,” the league announced Thursday. Should teams break the rule, the officials will stop the play, and a faceoff will take place in the offending team’s defensive zone. 

The implementation of the rule comes in cooperation with the IIHF and is the latest rule innovation in Europe’s top club hockey competition, which pits top teams from several nations against each other to determine a European champion. 

It comes after the league studied game flow in overtime across several seasons, discovering that regrouping and time spent outside the offensive zone resulted in fewer shot attempts, and more games ended up extending beyond overtime. 

Previously, the CHL also announced other changes, including minor penalties to be treated the same as a major in terms of penalty killing, a delayed penalty to be served even if a goal is scored as it is pending, and for a shorthanded goal to end a minor penalty, as is also seen in the PWHL. 

“When 3-on-3 overtime was introduced, it quickly became a fan-favorite due to its quick transitions and odd-man rushes, ultimately leading to frequent scoring chances,” said Fadri Holinger, CHL Sport Director. “However, we’ve seen a steady rise in puck possession-based strategies, with teams constantly leaving the offensive zone, leading to fewer decisive moments. 

“With the ‘No Return’ rule, we want to restore the pace, unpredictability and excitement that 3-on-3 play was meant to deliver. We are confident that it will further increase the excitement for the good of the game.”

The CHL begins its 24-team 2025-26 season on Aug. 28, and each team will play six games in a single table, with the aim to qualify for the Round of 16, which begins in November.