Story Summary
PENNY DEL has adopted International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rule adjustments and interpretations for 2026/27. They take effect at the season opener between Eisbären Berlin and the Straubing Tigers on Thursday at 19:30. The changes cover captaincy, goal crediting when a player is prevented from shooting at an empty net, high-sticking, face-off procedure, hand deflections, offside control and icing signals. The updated rulebook is available for download.
Key Facts
- PENNY DEL has implemented IIHF rule adjustments and interpretations for the 2026/27 season.
- The rule package takes effect at the season opener between Eisbären Berlin and the Straubing Tigers, scheduled for Thursday at 19:30.
- Rule 6.1: A team may either have one captain and two assistant captains, or no captain and three assistant captains.
- Rule 33.2: If an attacking player is about to reach a free puck and is prevented by a foul from shooting at an empty net, resulting in a goal being awarded, the fouled player is credited with the goal.
- Rule 60.1: The definition of ‘high-sticking’ is clarified – a penalty for high-sticking may only be assessed when the opponent’s shoulder is at hip height or higher.
- Rule 76: On a violation during a face-off the offending team’s centre will be substituted; this does not apply after a face-off following an icing.
- Rule 79.1: If referees believe the puck was deflected off a player’s hand and the team did not gain an advantage, that action is not a violation under this rule.
- Rule 83.1: An attacking player who enters the attacking zone before the puck must control the puck with his stick to avoid being ruled offside.
- Icing procedure: On an icing the front linesman will raise his arm immediately after the whistle to indicate the call; this replaces the previous delayed icing signal traditionally given by the rear linesman.
- After goals: Referees are instructed not to blow the whistle immediately after signalling a goal (pointing at the net); a whistle should only follow if play continues in a way unnoticed by the teams. The change reflects wider use of video review in goal situations.
- The PENNY DEL has made the complete updated rulebook available for download.
IHM Discussion
PENNY DEL’s adoption of the IIHF clarifications gives referees, coaches and players several technical points to absorb ahead of the opening game. Rule 6.1 allows clubs to choose between one captain with two assistant captains, or three assistant captains without a captain.
Rule 33.2 specifies how credit is assigned when an attacking player is prevented by a foul from shooting at an empty net and a goal is awarded. The high-sticking clarification sets a defined threshold based on the opposing player’s shoulder position, while Rule 83.1 requires an attacker entering the zone ahead of the puck to control it with the stick to remain onside.
The procedural changes are equally practical. On an icing, the front linesman will raise an arm immediately after the whistle. After a goal signal, officials should not immediately whistle unless play continues in a manner the teams have not recognised, allowing reviewable goal situations to be handled without unnecessary confusion.
Why It Matters
For coaches and players, the changes add specific details to pre-season preparation. Teams will need to understand the offside-control requirement, the revised captaincy options and the new icing signal, while officials apply the updated procedures in real time. The goal-crediting provision also makes clear who receives the goal in the defined empty-net foul situation. Overall, the changes align PENNY DEL procedures and interpretations with IIHF standards.
Mini Q&A
When do the new rules come into effect?
The adjustments take effect at the start of the 2026/27 PENNY DEL season – specifically at the season opener between Eisbären Berlin and the Straubing Tigers, scheduled for Thursday at 19:30.
Who issued these rule changes?
PENNY DEL has adopted rule adjustments and interpretations from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Can a team name three assistant captains instead of a captain?
Yes. Under Rule 6.1 a team may either have one captain and two assistant captains, or opt for no captain and name three assistant captains.
How will icing be signalled under the new procedure?
On an icing, the front linesman will raise his arm immediately after the whistle to indicate the call.
What happens if a player is fouled on a shot at an empty net?
If an attacking player is about to reach a free puck and is prevented by a foul from shooting at an empty net, resulting in a goal being awarded, Rule 33.2 credits the goal to the fouled player.
What Comes Next
The new rules and procedures take effect at the season opener between Eisbären Berlin and the Straubing Tigers on Thursday at 19:30.
IHM Final View
PENNY DEL’s adoption of the IIHF changes clarifies several technical rules and standardises key on-ice procedures. Their practical impact will depend on how consistently teams and officials apply them once the season begins.