PWHL introduces 'no escape rule' preventing line change after penalty

The PWHL introduced a new rule Tuesday, requiring players on a team that takes a penalty to remain on the ice until after the ensuing faceoff.

The league is calling the change the "no escape rule." It's the same premise as when a team ices the puck and must keep the same players on the ice for the next faceoff.

The rule could see three forwards and one defender start a penalty kill if a defender was the player who took a penalty, for example. It could also result in a tired group being forced to stay on the ice, similar to after an icing.

Other rule changes made by the PWHL before the 2024-25 campaign include:

• A major penalty and game misconduct become the default penalty for all illegal checks to the head. The PWHL is the first professional hockey league to implement this change.
• Hair pulling and grabbing an opponent's chin strap, facial protection, or throat protection results in a major penalty and game misconduct.

"We're always looking to make the game safer for our players and more fun for our fans," PWHL senior VP of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said in a statement. "We believe these rule innovations take strides toward both objectives."

The PWHL also announced key dates for the season. The trade deadline is March 2 at noon ET, and the 2025 playoffs begin May 6.