FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Earlier this week, the SPHL announced six new rule changes that will take effect in the 2026-27 season. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes coming to Marksmen games this season.

League Point System
This season, the SPHL will adopt a three-point system for the standings, with teams receiving three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime or shootout win, and one point for an overtime or shootout loss.

Overtime Length
The overtime period during the regular season will be extended from five to seven minutes. Overtime will continue to be contested as “sudden death” in a 3-on-3 format. If neither team scores during the overtime period, the game will proceed to a shootout.

Shootout Format
The initial round of the shootout has been reduced from 5 players to 3 players. If the score is tied after three rounds, the shootout moves into a sudden-death format, where every eligible player on the roster must take a shot before a player is allowed to shoot a second time (previously, a player could shoot multiple times after the initial round of five shots).

Presidents Cup Playoff Format
The top eight teams in the standings will make the playoffs. However, all rounds of the Presidents Cup Playoffs will now be best-of-five series.

Coincidental Minor Penalties (Diving/Embellishment)
If, after the referee signals for a penalty, the offended player then embellishes the original call to warrant his own minor penalty for diving/embellishment, only the diving/embellishment penalty will be assessed, and the original penalty will be nullified.

Instant Replay
In venues where replay is available, a coach’s challenge will be available to each team. If the challenge is unsuccessful, the challenging team will be assessed a minor penalty for delay of game. Each team is permitted one challenge per game. The challenge criteria will remain the same as the referee’s discretionary review:

· Puck crossing the goal line
· Puck entering the net using a distinct kicking motion
· Puck entering the net before the goal frame is dislodged
· Puck directed, batted, or thrown into the net by an attacking player

THINGS TO KNOW:

• Expect to see teams pressing to win close games in regulation to secure an extra point rather than holding out for overtime.
• Longer overtimes are an attempt to end more games before the shootout.
• Every shot and save in the shootout has more weight than before with a change to a three-round shootout.
• The race for the Presidents Cup Playoffs will be more competitive with eight spots available for 12 teams as the league expands.
• Every team in the playoff field will have an opportunity to host at least two home games, pending venue availability.
• Players penalized for diving/embellishing will put their team on the penalty kill, when it would’ve resulted in coincidental penalties before.
• The Marksmen will have one challenge per game when they play in buildings with video review. At the end of the 2025-26 season, the teams with video review included Birmingham, Evansville, Huntsville, Pensacola, and Peoria.

The Marksmen are preparing for the 2026-27 season before they take the ice again in October. Secure your season tickets today at marksmenhockey.com

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