Game Rules - Current Season Changes/Updates/Reminders

Down-loadable sheet for all teams below.

8U:

1. Game cancellations are NOT allowed. If a team can not make a scheduled EAHC game, the team who can not make the game must reschedule the game at their cost. All reschedules must be communicated to the 8U Commissioner and the Webmaster and are STRONGLY discouraged due to the wasted ice time and ref costs. Any game NOT rescheduled will result in a $200 fine to the team who can not make the game for causing the forfeit.
2. 8U Teams may not use players from RED teams or from teams playing in other leagues.
3. All games will be played 5v5 plus Goalies. NO EXCEPTIONS.

6U: Limited to 2018 & 2019 birthyear players only. NO Exceptions.

18U: EAHC will accept Petitions from 15U/16U/18U Travel players who have no play to play once the Midget Travel season ends until 12/1. After 12/1 and if there is space available, EAHC may accept JV players from Midget Travel teams to petition. All petitions due by the December EAHC Meeting. All players added to EAHC 18U teams must be removed from their Midget Travel team before being allowed to play in EAHC.

New Rules which apply to All Divisions:

1. EAHC will use the term Alternate instead of "Substitute". This is to be compatible with terminology used within West Section. Existing limits on use of substitutes will continue for use of alternates.
2. Neckguards are NOW mandatory at all levels (6U to 18U). Referees will impose Misconducts to players without neckguards per USA Hockey rules on missing equipment.
3. The additonal Fair Play Point given to teams whose coaches fill out Ref Evals for 75% of their team's games has been rescinded. Too many coaches were filling them wihtout any real feedback. Head Coaches will continue to be encouraged to fill out Ref Evals when they have specific feedback (good or bad) by their organizations and by Commissioners.
4. Use of any noisemakers is prohibited at all levels of play (6u thru 18U). This includes all instruments (including bag pipes, drums etc.), whistles, air horns or any other distracting noisemakers.
5. Girls on Tier 2 TB Girls Teams playing in an all Girls league or as independents may play on EAHC teams without requiring an exception. Girls must otherwise be eligible to play in EAHC i.e. not on a WNYAHL or independent Youth/Boys Travel (TB, AAA, AA or Mixed) team and all other EAHC, NYSAHA, West Section and USA Hockey eligibility rules followed. If a Tier 2 Girls Team would like to play in EAHC, they should contact their Rep so EAHC can discuss adding their team. NOTE: Girls may NOT play on EAHC teams in more than 1 organization as this is prohibited by West Section rules (as well as EAHC rules).

Rules renewed for 2024-25 Season

Skater alternate rules for 12U. All 12U teams may now follow the rules for 14u & 18u, alternates are allowed to be added up to 12 skaters. Skater alternates from EAHC 10U teams may sub up to 3 times. Horizontal subs from EAHC 12U teams may sub one time only and none allowed in the playoffs.

12U - one division.

NEW RULE: 18U Only. If a team has less than 9 skaters (8 or less) and a Goalie, the game will be converted to NON checking. This is a safety rule and allows games to be played even if limited skaters are available due to conflicts or suspensions.

Midget/18U Checking rule: If 18U teams keep the penalty average under 20 minutes per game, then checking will continue, if average team penalties rise above 20 minutes per game, then the league will implement non checking rules for all remaining league games and playoffs.  

USA Hockey Rosters REQUIRED: All EAHC teams (6U to 18U) must have all Coaches on the Bench and all players (including alternates) listed on their USA Hockey Rosters. USA Hockey Rosters must be identified to EAHC BEFORE the team plays in a game or a EAHC Jamboree using the team contact google forms.

Use of Illegal Players (including but not limited to use of non-USA Hockey rostered or illegal alternates or suspended players): Teams will forfeit the game and for a 2nd offence Head Coach will also be suspended, 3rd offense results in a Head Coach hearing.

MERCY RULE: Applies at ALL Divisions.  Running clock will begin with a 7 or more goal advantage in 3rd period. Teams may return to stop clock if gap narrows to less than 7 goals. Timekeeper should only show 7 goal differential on clock, Scorekeeper records all goals on scoresheet.

Procedure Reminders:

Fill out Referee Evaluations:

Link to the Ref Eval Form is:

See below for REFEREE EVALUATION BUTTON

Ref Evals filled out by anybody but the Head Coach will be ignored.

REMINDER - Report All Game Misconducts and Match Penalties (in League Games, Scrimmages and Tournaments). DO NOT report "2+10" Boarding, Charging, Check from Behind or Head Contact penalties OR MISCONDUCTS where the player sits during the game. If not sure, please contact your Commissioner! Report via the "REPORT AN INFRACTION" BUTTON below.

EMPIRE REVIEW POLICY: See the EAHC Guidebook on the Documents page Page 21-22.