PERIODS • 1st Period: 15 minutes (running clock) • 2nd Period: 15 minutes (running clock) • 3rd Period: 12 minutes (stopped time) • Mercy Rule: If goal differential reaches 6, clock becomes running time; returns to stopped time if differential drops below 6.
WARM‑UPS • 3‑minute warm‑up. • Do not enter the ice until the Zamboni is fully off. • Ice is resurfaced before each game.
OVERTIME RULES Preliminary Games: No overtime or shootout; ties stand. Semi‑Final & Championship: • 5‑minute, 4‑on‑4, stopped‑time, sudden‑death overtime. • If still tied → Shootout. Shootout Format: • Three shooters per team; visitors shoot first. • If tied → sudden‑death shootout (one skater each). • All skaters must shoot before anyone shoots twice. • Players serving penalties at end of regulation may not participate.
PENALTIES • Minor: 2 minutes • Major: 5 minutes • Misconduct: 10 minutes • Four penalties = automatic ejection (remainder of game). • Fighting = automatic game misconduct + 1‑game suspension.
TIMEOUTS • No timeouts in round‑robin play. • Playoffs/Championship: One (1) 60‑second timeout per team.
GOAL DIFFERENTIAL FOR STANDINGS • Max goal differential counted per game: 6 goals. • Examples: 14–3 → 9–3; 8–0 → 6–0.
PLAYING RULES HIGHLIGHTS • No checking. • Icing is enforced. • Slapshots allowed. • Tag‑up offsides.
POINT SYSTEM • Win: 3 points • Tie: 1 point • Loss: 0 points
TIEBREAKERS
- Most Wins
- Head‑to‑Head
- Goal Differential (max +6 per game)
- Goals Against
- Goals For
- Average Differential: GF ÷ (GF + GA)
- Coin Toss
GENERAL RULES • USA Hockey rules apply with listed modifications. • All players must follow USA Hockey equipment recommendations. • Non‑checking event. • Red line used for automatic icing. • Tag‑up offsides in effect. • Teams that willingly forfeit are ineligible for semi‑final or final games.