Overtime strength when regulation ends on a power play
Rule numbers: ACHA 2026-28 Overtime and Shootout Requirements, OT Notes 1-3
The ACHA overtime document explains how to get to 3-on-3 when penalties carry over from regulation. A game that ends regulation 5-on-4 starts overtime 4-on-3, and once the teams are back to even (4-on-4) they drop to 3-on-3 at the following stoppage. A game that ends 5-on-3 starts overtime 5-on-3, and when strength recovers to 5-on-4 or 5-on-5 it is reset at the next stoppage to whichever of 4-on-3 or 3-on-3 fits the numbers. A game that ends 4-on-4 starts overtime 3-on-3. Because a team can never go below three skaters, players may have to be added, with the numbers corrected at the next stoppage.
At no time will a team have less than three players on the ice.
- On the ice
- Set the starting overtime strength from the penalty clocks at the end of regulation.
- Clock
- Carry over the unexpired penalty time; adjust the strength at the first stoppage after it expires.
Example
Regulation ends with Team A on a 5-on-4 power play. Overtime starts 4-on-3. When the penalty expires and the teams are 4-on-4, they switch to 3-on-3 when play next stops.
Common mistake: Starting overtime 3-on-3 regardless of the penalty clock, or dropping a team below three skaters.