How do suspensions work, and how long do they last?

The 2026-2027 OHF Minimum Suspension List for Minor Hockey sets minimum suspensions for exhibition, league and playoff games. They are on top of any penalty under Hockey Canada rules, and more can be imposed. Each team manager or coach must make sure players sit out their suspensions. Some examples (games):

• Fighting (rule 7.10 (b)): 1st offence 2, 2nd 3, 3rd 5, 4th indefinite (subject to a hearing).
• Instigator or aggressor of a fight (7.11 (a)): 1st 1, 2nd 3, 3rd indefinite.
• Second misconduct in the same game (4.7 (c)): 2.
• Checking from behind, minor plus game misconduct (7.5 (a)): 2.
• Majors plus game misconduct (for example boarding, body checking, charging, head contact, kneeing, roughing, cross checking, slashing): these accumulate over the season. The 1st is 2 or 3 games depending on the infraction, the 2nd is 4, the 3rd is 6 and the 4th is indefinite.
• Match penalties (for example attempt to injure, kicking, spearing, slashing): the 1st is 4 games (5 for checking from behind and head contact), and a 3rd is indefinite.
• Disrespectful and abusive behaviour, game misconduct (11.2 (e)): 3 for the 1st.
• Physical harassment of an official, match penalty (11.5 (c)): indefinite.

Indefinite suspensions are decided at a hearing, and the Member sets the number of games, which cannot be lower than the minimum stated on the list for that infraction (4 or 5 games).