Have you ever watched a nail-biting hockey match come down to the final seconds and found yourself asking—can it actually end in a tie?
That very question popped into my mind during a local league game last winter. With both teams locked 3–3 and the clock running down, I braced for overtime. But then, to my surprise, the referee signalled the end of the match—no extra time, no shootout, just a draw. I turned to the person beside me, who shrugged and said, “Depends on the league, mate.”
That offhand comment sent me down a rabbit hole. Turns out, the rules of hockey aren’t quite as straightforward as you’d think. Whether a game can end in a tie depends on where you’re playing, what level it is, and even which format of hockey it is.
Let’s break it down.
Does Hockey Allow Ties? Yes—But It’s Complicated
The short answer: yes, hockey can end in a tie. But only in certain formats. Different levels of play—from recreational leagues to professional tournaments—handle tie games differently.
Understanding whether a tie is possible involves looking at the governing rules of the competition.
Ice Hockey vs Field Hockey vs Roller Hockey
Before diving into specific rules, let’s not forget that “hockey” means different things in different parts of the world:
- Ice hockey (popular in Canada, the US, Russia, and Scandinavia)
- Field hockey (common in the UK, Australia, India, and Europe)
- Roller hockey (a niche but growing version)
Each format has its own set of regulations when it comes to tied scores.
Ice Hockey: Do NHL Games End in a Tie?
Not anymore.
Up until the 2005–06 season, the National Hockey League (NHL) in North America did allow games to end in ties after a five-minute overtime period. But fans and broadcasters wanted more decisive outcomes. So the league introduced shootouts to settle regular-season games still tied after overtime.
Fact: According to the NHL’s official rules, “If a game is tied after regulation and overtime, a shootout will determine the winner.”
Overtime Format in the NHL
- Regulation time: 3 periods, 20 minutes each
- Overtime: 5-minute sudden death, 3-on-3 play
- Shootout: 3 rounds (or more if needed)
This format has made NHL games more exciting, especially for TV audiences, and eliminated ties altogether.
What About International Ice Hockey?
In tournaments governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)—like the Olympics or World Championships—games in the group stage can end in a tie.
However, in the knockout stages, matches must have a winner. Overtime and, if needed, shootouts are used to break ties.
Field Hockey: Ties Still Exist—But Not Always
Field hockey, popular in many Commonwealth countries, offers a mixed approach.
Regular Season Matches
In many domestic leagues, particularly in the UK and Europe, regular season field hockey matches can and often do end in ties. No overtime. No shootout.
As a player in my university’s club team, I remember drawing 2–2 on more occasions than I can count. Our coach’s line was always, “Well, at least it wasn’t a loss.”
Tournament Rules
In knockout tournaments or international play (such as the FIH Pro League or the Hockey World Cup), a tie after regulation leads to:
- Shootout competition (not penalty flicks!) – Players start at the 23-metre line and have 8 seconds to score.
- If still tied, sudden death shootouts decide the winner.
This format was designed to reward skill and creativity rather than just static penalty shots.
Roller Hockey: Varies Widely
Roller hockey isn’t as strictly standardised, but here’s what we found:
- In international roller hockey (like FIRS competitions), tie-breaking methods like extra time and penalty shootouts are used for knockout matches.
- For local or league games, rules vary. Some allow ties; others mandate shootouts.
If you’re playing or watching roller hockey, check with the event’s specific rules.
Why Some Hockey Games Still Allow Ties
You might be wondering—why allow ties at all?
Practicality
Not all leagues have time or budget for extended overtimes or shootouts. In youth or recreational leagues, ties keep things moving and reduce injury risk.
Tradition
Some purists argue that ties reflect evenly matched gameplay and deserve a place in the sport. “Not every game needs a winner,” one coach told me. “Sometimes a draw is the fairest result.”
Player Fatigue
Extra time adds strain. In busy leagues with tight schedules, preserving players’ health is a top concern.
The Psychological Side of Ties
Interestingly, ties affect players and fans differently. In a 2019 behavioural study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, researchers found that:
- Fans often feel more dissatisfied with ties than with clear wins or losses.
- Players showed mixed reactions—some were relieved to “escape a loss,” others frustrated at “missing a win.”
This ambivalence is exactly why some leagues keep them—and others scrap them entirely.
FAQs: Quick Answers for Curious Minds
Can NHL games end in a tie?
No. Since the 2005–06 season, all NHL games are decided by overtime or shootout.
Can Olympic hockey games end in a tie?
Yes, during group stages. No, during knockouts—those go to OT or shootout.
Does college hockey allow ties?
Yes, in some divisions. NCAA games may end in ties if unresolved after overtime, depending on conference rules.
What’s the difference between a shootout and a penalty stroke?
Shootouts involve active play (e.g. 8 seconds to score from a run-in). Penalty strokes are static shots from a set spot.
Is a tie better than a loss?
In most point systems—yes. A tie often earns each team one point, whereas a loss gives none.
Final Thoughts: Should Hockey Keep Ties?
So, can it be a tie in hockey? Absolutely—but it depends where, when, and how the game is played.
Personally, I think there’s value in ties. They reflect a balance of skill and grit. But I also understand the thrill of sudden death goals and shootouts. Maybe the sweet spot is exactly where the sport stands now—a blend of both, depending on context.
What about you? Have you seen a tie that felt more dramatic than a win? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
Related Reads:
- How Long Is a Hockey Game, Really?
- What’s the Difference Between Ice and Field Hockey?
- The Psychology Behind Sudden Death Overtime
Enjoyed this read? Share it with your fellow fans, teammates, or anyone who’s ever shouted, “Wait, that’s it?” at the final buzzer.
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