WHL adopts 3-on-3 OT

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Players like slick skating Tyson Baillie could thrive during the WHL's new three-on-three overtime format.

As expected, the Western Hockey League will adopt the NHL's new overtime rules.

The junior loop will go to a five minute three-on-three overtime period if a game is tied after 60 minutes.

In previous years, the league has used a four-on-four sudden death format to try and break a tie before going to a shootout.

While the Canadian Hockey League, which oversees the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, is not obligated to adopt rules established by the NHL, in most cases, it does.

"I'm a huge supporter of us going by the same rules as the NHL by and large. Our players are being trained to go there so I think it's a great move," said Bruce Hamilton, chair of the league's Board of Governors and president of the Kelowna Rockets.

"I think it will add to our game. Hopefully it will solve the shootout even quicker so we don't go there and let the game be settled the way it should be."

Hamilton said the change will add to the excitement level for the fans and may play into the Rockets hands a bit.

"It's going to play into the hands of the teams that have dynamic players, and those players are going to be on display more.

"Any time you go three-on-three they are likely going to be the guys on the ice to settle the score."

When asked about the potential of a group of three including Rourke Chartier, Dillon Dube, Nick Merkley or Tyson Baillie..."That would be a good group to go out," responded Hamilton.

Meantime, the first phase of the Rockets training camp wraps up Friday before the club embarks on the first of five pre-season games Saturday at Prospera Place against the Prince George Cougars.

The club has reduced the training camp roster to about 34 from 60 who started the week.They have also reduced practices down to one-a-day.

The team has also reduced the ice time of some of the veterans who have played a lot of hockey over the past 12 months, specifically Chartier, Dube and Merkley.

"We finished at the end of May then Dube went to the under 18's. Chartier and Merkley both went to development camps with their NHL teams and then to the world junior camp.

"They've had a lot so it's good to give them a break."

This is also the third straight training camp under a new head coach. Brad Ralph has taken over for Dan Lambert who left for the NHL after just one season behind the bench.

"I think he's done a good job. It's a big adjustment for him because he's used to being a manager too and here he's coach and that's his job," said Hamilton.

"I think he's done a real good job in adjusting and incorporating the other three coaches into the mix with him. I think he realizes they're here to help him.

Hamilton said Ralph appears to already have a good rapport with the players.