Original Stars Hockey League The Original Stars Hockey League ( OSHL ) was an attempt to create a league of professional ice hockey teams playing four-on-four games during the 2004 National Hockey League lockout that followed the expiration of the league 's collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Player 's Association . Slated to be made up of 78 NHL players , the league debuted on September 17 , 2004 in Barrie , Ontario , Canada , divided into six teams representing the cities of the Original Six . In the inaugural game , Toronto defeated Detroit 16-13 . Shortly after its first two games , however , the OSHL cancelled several of what it called `` preseason '' games . On November 11 , 2004 , OSHL president Randy Gumbley announced that the league had only received commitments from 20 players , and the league soon folded . Rules Several rules changes were implemented to make up for the smaller rosters and to provide a more entertaining experience : Each side is made up of four skaters and a goaltender . Each period is 17 minutes long . Line changes only can be made on the fly . There is no centre ice line . No-touch icing is in effect . There is no icing if a player shooting the puck into the offensive zone if he is past his own blueline . All minor penalties will be taken as penalty shots , with a defending player chasing . Notable players At one point , the OSHL 's official website listed the following players as having committed to the league : Dominik Hasek Dave Andreychuk Mike Comrie Steve Sullivan Mike Fisher Andrew Raycroft External link Original Stars Hockey League Dead as of November 6 , 2005 Categories : 2004 in ice hockey | Defunct ice hockey leagues 