The Champions Hockey League (CHL) has introduced the “No Return” rule for overtime in the 2025/26 season to further enhance the excitement of 3-on-3 hockey. Following its initial announcement, the CHL provides detailed information on the rule.

Core of the Rule

The “No Return” rule will prohibit teams in possession and control of the puck in the attacking zone from retreating into the neutral zone during overtime. Should the rule be infringed, play will be stopped, and the ensuing face-off will take place in the offending team's defending zone with the offending team not allowed to make line changes.

Exceptions

No infraction will be called if:

• the puck exits the zone directly after a shot attempt towards the net,
• defending player physically forces the opponent off the puck,
• or the puck leaves the zone immediately following a cleanly won face-off in the attacking zone.
   

Violations

Besides the core situation when the attacking team carry, pass or play the puck back into the neutral zone infractions of the rule include:

• failed passes or mishandling of the puck leading it out of the end zone,
• intercepted or deflected passes without significant change of direction,
• or an attacker deliberately refraining from playing the puck, allowing it to exit the zone.
   

Objective

The purpose of the rule is to prevent the attacking Team from intentionally leaving the Attacking Zone to maintain puck possession. And this with the primary goal of restoring excitement and increasing the likelihood of a game-winning goal during overtime.

You can find more information on the rules in the CHL Casebook.