Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference Adds Shootouts for 2025–26 Season

by ECHC Communications

The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference (ECHC) has officially voted to introduce shootouts for the remainder of this season, marking a major change to how games are decided.

Previously, games that remained tied after overtime ended in a tie. With this new rule, tied contests will now go to a shootout to determine a winner for ECHC Standings, while still being recorded as ties in the ACHA National Rankings.

While ties have been relatively rare in the ECHC, they have occurred, including two inter-conference matchups last season that ended without a winner after overtime. This new rule ensures that even in those uncommon situations, games will come to a true conclusion. Importantly, the change applies to all games hosted by ECHC member teams, not just ECHC vs. ECHC contests.

“Look, some people love the shootout and some people don’t. But I don’t think anybody can deny it adds excitement to the end of a great game. We are not using it to determine championships, but it lets the student athletes have some fun, be creative, and put on a show for their fans,” said Commissioner Devin Bertrand.

The rule is effective immediately, just two weeks into the 2025–26 season. With shootouts now part of the ECHC framework, every game is guaranteed to finish with a winner, another step forward in the conference’s growth.

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ABOUT the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference:
Founded in 2009, the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference (ECHC) is an intercollegiate hockey conference dedicated to promoting competitive non-varsity hockey across the Northeastern United States. The ECHC features teams competing at the Division III levels within the ACHA. The conference is committed to delivering a premier hockey experience emphasizing student-athlete development, academic achievement, and sportsmanship. The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference is a 501(c) not for profit organization.