The ECHL BOG had their pre-season meeting last week in Phoenix as they prepared for the 2024-25 pre-season, which kicks off in less than two weeks. Just like the BOG meeting they had earlier this Summer, there are a few more changes coming to the league for the 2024-25 season, so let’s recap those changes that we will see this season. One of the changes heading into the season is that coaches will now submit their lineup cards digitally after warmups are completed. Here are some of the other rule changes that will take place:
Changes To IR
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the ECHL will now implement one three-day IR spot for teams to use, along with the two regular reserve spots and unlimited 14-day IR spots that were previously implemented. This will be a huge addition for teams as most games occur on the weekend. It will now allow teams to place a player on IR for a weekend instead of having to use a regular reserve spot for players who may have shorter-term injuries.
Changes To Transactions
The ECHL announced that Saturday’s transaction deadline will be extended from 3 p.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. The league’s decision makes sense, as most Saturday games start at 6 p.m. EST or later. This will give teams two extra hours to make roster changes. Sunday’s 3 p.m. EST deadline will stay the same, which makes sense, seeing that many teams have earlier games on Sundays.
Rule Changes
The ECHL has made three changes to its rulebook for the 2024-25 season and they are as follows:
Rule #63.7 Delaying the Game (No line change) – In the event that the goal post is displaced accidentally by a defending skater or goalkeeper, causing a stoppage in play, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at one of the end zone face-off spots in the defending zone. The offending team shall not be permitted to make any player substitutions prior to the face-off.
Rule #76.4 Face-offs – When a team commits an icing infraction, any face-off violation by either team will not result in the center being removed. The center of the offending team will be warned by the linesmen that they have committed their first face-off violation, and any subsequent violation will result in a bench minor penalty for delay of game – face-off violation being assessed.
Rule 75.3 Bench Minor Penalty (iv) – When a player on the bench is sitting on the boards, the referee shall warn the offending team and a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending for any future violations in that game following the warning.
