Sport: Hockey Category: Scores & Results

WHL introduces new rules as Spokane Chiefs make import draft selections

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 2:04 AM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Hockey

Summary

The Western Hockey League announced multiple changes for the 2026-27 season, including a pilot program for 'no return' three-on-three overtime and a decompressed schedule to allow for more rest for players. The regular season will start on September 18 and end a week later than usual on March 28, 2027. The Chiefs selected three players in the 2026 CHL import draft: Matěj Tománek, Jonas Schwarz, and Jan Brabenec. Tománek, a Czech forward, led scoring in his league, while Schwarz and Brabenec also had strong seasons in their respective leagues. The Chiefs aim to bolster their roster with these young talents as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•WHL testing 'no return' three-on-three overtime format in preseason games.
•Regular season schedule extends by one week for player recovery.
•Spokane Chiefs select Matěj Tománek, Jonas Schwarz, and Jan Brabenec in import draft.

Latest Updates

2:04 AMYahoo Sports — Western Hockey League implements rules changes; Chiefs select three in CHL import draft | Spokane Chiefs notebook

What they're saying

"
Jul. 1—The Western Hockey League on Tuesday announced several changes which will impact the 2026-27 season. Some of those changes are aimed at making travel conditions better for the players and team staff, while one has the potential to significantly alter overtime play. Point of 'no return': During the WHL preseason, the league will test a pilot program of "no return" three-on-three during ...
— Yahoo Sports

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