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IIHF vs NCAA

AFirst Sport

IIHF

Ice Hockey

First Sport

Details

Players6

Settingindoor

SeasonIIHF Official Rule Book 2025/26 (direct PDF dated 2025-05-19 at blob.iihf.com/iihf-media/iihfmvc/media/contentimages/4_sport/officiating/rule_book/25_26/; Game Officials' Handbook + Situation Handbook for the same season also published)

CategoryWinter Sports

BSecond Sport

NCAA

Ice Hockey

Second Sport

Details

Players3-6

Settingindoor

Season2025-26 NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Book (M's + W's; 60-min regulation, 5-min 3v3 OT in regular season, college rink dimensions)

CategoryWinter Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(7)

Section 2: Equipment

Different

IIHF

Maximum shaft length: 163 cm (64 in) from the heel of the blade to the end of the shaft.; Blade length: 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in).; Blade width: 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in).

NCAA

Puck: vulcanized rubber, 3" diameter × 1" thick, 5.5-6 oz, frozen pre-game; Stick: max 63" length, blade max 12.5" × 3" (skater); goalie stick 26" max paddle, 15.5" blade; Skates: NCAA-approved figure with secure ankle support and toe cap; goaltenders use specialized goalie skates

Section 3: Playing Area

Different

IIHF

Overall size: 60 m × 30 m (197 ft × 98.4 ft) for international/Olympic play. The wider surface compared to NHL rinks (200 ft × 85 ft) emphasises skating speed, passing, and positional play over physical forechecking.; Corner radius: 7–8.5 m (23–28 ft).; Boards: Height 1.07–1.22 m (42–48 in) above...

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Rule-by-Rule Comparison(7)

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

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Section 4: Players & Officials

Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations