Rules

MIHL Rules & Regulations

League Information

  • League fee ($2,800) must be paid by the designated payment deadline.

  • Teams typically consist of 8–12 skaters plus a goalie.

  • Maximum roster size is 16 players.

  • Each team must have a goalie when registering.

  • A goalie substitute list will be provided to captains and goalies to coordinate goalie subs.

Divisions

Premier

Highest level of competition. The Premier Division features current and former professional players, along with former NCAA Division I, II, and III players.

Gold

A step below Premier. Gold teams are primarily composed of former NCAA players and high-level high school players.

Silver

A catch-all division with a wide range of experience levels. Players may include former college players, high school players, and individuals who began playing hockey through roller hockey. Silver typically has the widest range of skill and age differences.

Bronze

Development/starter division intended for players who stopped playing hockey before high school or who picked up the sport later in adulthood.

Summer League Structure

  • 16-game regular season (may vary depending on number of teams)

  • Playoffs

  • In-season tournament (MIHL Cup)

Standings Tie Breakers

  1. Total Points

  2. Head-to-Head Record

  3. Goal Differential

  4. Least Goals Against

  5. Most Goals For

Point System

  • 3 points – Regulation win

  • 2 points – Overtime win

  • 1 point – Overtime loss or tie

Mercy Rule

If the goal differential reaches 10 goals in the second half, the game is officially ended.

Teams may continue to use the remaining rink time, but officials will collect the scoresheets and leave the rink.

Forfeits

  • 2 point deduction in standings

  • There will not be a point deduction if a game is able to be played

  • Recorded as a 10–0 loss

Overtime

League Play

  • 3-minute 3-on-3 sudden death overtime

  • Game may end in a tie

Playoffs / MIHL Cup / Fall Bracket

  • 5-minute 4-on-4 sudden death overtime

  • If still tied → 3-player Olympic-style shootout

Sub Rules (Regular Season)

  • Maximum 3 subs from other MIHL rosters

  • Free agents and goalie subs do NOT count

  • No subs allowed during playoffs or MIHL Cup matches

MIHL Cup

  • Single-elimination tournament

  • No subs allowed (except goalies)

  • Lose once and you are eliminated

Fall League Structure

  • 7–10 game season

  • Structured similar to a tournament

Standings Determined By

  1. Total Points

  2. Goal Differential

  3. Least Goals Against

  4. Most Goals For

Points System

  • 3 points – Regulation win

  • 2 points – OT win

  • 1 point – OT loss or tie

Overtime (Bracket Play)

  • 5-minute 4-on-4 sudden death

  • 3-player Olympic-style shootout

Fall Sub Rules

  • No strict sub limits

  • Teams encouraged to stay true to their roster/division

  • Free agents and new players may be used when needed

Gameplay

Format

  • 4-on-4

  • Two 23-minute halves

  • 3–5 minute warm-up

  • 1-minute halftime

  • Long change in the first half was voted no, so no switching sides

General Rules

MIHL follows NHL rules with the following exceptions:

  • No offsides

  • No icing

  • Checking not permitted

Referee Discretion

Officials have full discretion to interpret and enforce MIHL rules in the interest of player safety, game flow, and sportsmanship.

Situations not specifically covered in the rules will be determined by officials and/or the commissioner.

Officials’ decisions during gameplay are final.

Faceoffs

  • Five faceoff locations (two defensive zone, two offensive zone, center ice)

  • All players must be fully stopped before the puck drop

  • Centers may not be moving

  • Excessive delay may result in a delay-of-game penalty

Defensive Zone Faceoffs

If the puck leaves play in the defensive zone, the faceoff remains in that zone (closest dot).

Penalties

Game Limit

Maximum per player:

3 penalties OR 6 minutes

Does not include:

  • 5-minute mini-misconduct

  • 10-minute misconduct

Penalty Service

  • 2-minute penalties

  • Minimum two skaters must remain on the rink

Overtime Penalties

During 3v3 overtime:

First penalty → 3v2
Second penalty → 4v2

Play may increase to 4v4 until the next stoppage.

Additional Penalty Rules

Throwing a Stick

Minor penalty.

Body Checking

Not permitted. Officials may assess a double minor depending on severity.

Abuse of Officials

Disputing calls or verbally abusing officials may result in a minor penalty.

Bench Responsibility

Non-rostered players are not allowed on the bench.

Team captains are responsible for the conduct of their bench.

Excessive or abusive behavior from the bench may result in:

  • Minor penalty

  • Game misconduct

  • Penalty shot

Officials may assess penalties without identifying a specific player if the behavior originates from the bench.

Trash Talking / Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Competitive talk is expected, but excessive disrespect may result in:

  1. Minor penalty

  2. Game misconduct

  3. If behavior escalates → penalty shot

Goal Crease Rule

Goals are disallowed only if a player directly interferes with the goalie.

Incidental presence in the crease does not automatically negate a goal.

Crease Camping Rule

Offensive players may not remain stationary inside the crease for more than three seconds without actively playing the puck.

Officials may stop play and award a defensive zone faceoff.

If interference occurs, a minor penalty may be assessed.

Dislodged Net / Continuation Rule

If the net becomes dislodged during a scoring opportunity, play may continue.

If the puck enters the net during an obvious and imminent scoring chance, the goal may still be awarded.

Intentional displacement may result in a penalty shot.

Hand Pass Rule

Hand passes allowed only in the defensive zone.

Players may not throw or slide the puck intentionally to create a play.

Automatic Ejection

Fighting

Throwing punches or swinging sticks results in:

  • Immediate ejection

  • Team serves a 2- or 5-minute penalty

  • Possible fines or suspension

Repeat incidents may result in league removal.

Substance Use

Players under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be removed at the discretion of officials or the commissioner.

Fines & Suspensions

A player’s disciplinary history may affect suspension length.

All fines must be paid before returning to play.

Timeouts

Each team receives one 60-second timeout per game.

Goalies may take reasonable heat breaks.

Injury & Equipment

Officials stop play for injuries.

Players must have all skate wheels attached to continue playing.

Officials

Games use a two-referee system.

Officials must:

  • Wear MIHL uniform

  • Track penalties

  • Manage scoresheets

  • Submit scoresheets to the league

Stats

Teams may track their own stats.

Stats include:

  • Games Played

  • Goals

  • Assists

  • Points

  • PPG

  • SHG

  • Penalties

  • Shots / Saves

  • Stars

Stats are recorded only if scoresheets are fully completed and submitted.

Teams are expected to get their own sheets from the scorers box and return it to the scorers box after the game.

All-Star Selection

Star points determine All-Stars.

1st Star = 5 pts
2nd Star = 3 pts
3rd Star = 1 pt
Player of Week = 3 pts

Tie breakers:

  1. Points

  2. Goals

  3. Assists

Sub players do not receive star points.

If players are not indicated on the stats sheet, no points will be awarded.

All-Star Game

Premier and Gold divisions voted to eliminate the All-Star Game beginning in 2024.

However:

  • Silver and Bronze still play an All-Star Game

  • Premier and Gold All-Star Teams are still selected

Commissioner Authority

The MIHL commissioner may review incidents and enforce disciplinary action beyond in-game penalties when necessary.

Actions may include:

  • Suspensions

  • Fines

  • Removal from the league

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