GOHL implementing OHL rule book for 2026-27 season

Lee Griffi, Editor

The Woodstock Navy Vets are not only preparing for their first season in the Greater Ontario Hockey League but will also have a new set of playing rules to learn.

The GOHL has announced it has received official approval to adopt Ontario Hockey League playing rules, further aligning the league with its OHL development partner.

“This important step continues the GOHL’s commitment to providing the highest standard of player development in Ontario. By operating under the same playing rules as the OHL, our athletes, coaches, and officials will benefit from greater consistency, preparing players more effectively for advancement to the next level,” said a league press release.

It added that as the OHL’s recognized development league, this approval reinforces the GOHL’s dedication to creating an elite, high-performance environment that mirrors the expectations and standards of major junior hockey.

“The GOHL also remains steadfast in its commitment to player safety. Along with the adoption of OHL playing rules, the league will continue to enhance its player safety initiatives through equipment standards and fighting regulations. These remain designed to promote a safe playing environment while maintaining the physical, competitive nature of the game and ensuring the continued development of our athletes.”

GOHL Commissioner Craig Spada said the league is extremely proud to receive the approval.

“Aligning our playing rules with those of the Ontario Hockey League is another significant milestone for our league. It provides a seamless transition for players moving to the OHL while further demonstrating our commitment to developing elite hockey players at all ages. We remain committed to leading in player safety initiatives that protect our athletes while preserving the integrity and competitiveness of junior hockey.”

The OHL doesn't play under a Hockey Canada rule book but instead publishes its own official rules. In the 2025–26 season, the OHL expanded coaches' challenges to cover offside plays leading to goals and certain missed stoppages and delay-of-game penalties. It also introduced a possible four-minute double-minor for slew-footing.

What was not initially clear is how the GOHL would implement video challenges, as currently teams do not have the technology available to make it work. The OHL currently uses a Spiideo system, a seven-camera arrangement which includes tablets for referees, or an equivalent standardized replay system. The Echo reached out to Spada, who clarified the video review will not be utilized in the GOHL.

There are a few interesting rule differences between the two leagues:

Faceoff violations following icing: The OHL changed its procedure. Following an icing, either centre now receives a warning for the first faceoff violation, and a second violation by that same centre results in a minor penalty. Previously, the attacking centre was ejected on the first violation while the defending centre received a warning. I have not found a GOHL announcement corresponding to this change.

Sitting on the boards: The OHL added a specific safety provision. A player sitting on the boards with skates exposed during play generates a team warning, and a second violation results in an unsportsmanlike-conduct minor penalty.