IIHF adopts 3-on-3 OT in preliminary rounds starting in 2017

The IIHF is taking a cue from the NHL.

The rules for overtime and shootouts will change as of 2017, the international governing body for hockey announced Friday.

Preliminary round games will feature five minutes of 3-on-3 overtime if a game is tied after three periods, followed by a three-round shootout and tiebreakers if necessary.

Medal round games - except for gold medal matches - will include 10 minutes of 4-on-4 overtime in the event that they are tied after 60 minutes, followed by a five-round shootout and tiebreaking rounds if necessary.

Gold medal games that are tied after regulation will go to a 20-minute overtime period played at 5-on-5, with a five-round shootout (or more) if required.

The changes were approved at the IIHF's annual congress.