Tournament Rules

·        Teams must be ready to play 15 minutes prior to the posted starting time.

·         Tournament is sanctioned by the WMHA therefore it will be played under WMHA Rules and Regulations with the following exception:

 Mercy Rule: This rule will now be in effect for all games. When calculating the goals for and against statistic, the goal differential that has been established will be a maximum of 7. For example, the final score in a game may be 13 – 2. It will be recorded as such but if the tie breaking formula is required the score that will be utilized is 9 – 2. We do not want teams to run up the score if they feel it will benefit their position for the playoffs. Tournament games will therefore consist of two 12 minute and one 15 minute period “stop time” for all divisions.

·         Each team’s roster will indicate only those players on the roster that will be registered with the WMHA/Hockey Manitoba.

·         A team may only utilize temporary players from their affiliated teams, filed with the WMHA or Hockey Manitoba.

·         In Round Robin play teams will be awarded 2 points for a win and 1 point for a tie. In playoff Round Robin, teams will once again be awarded 2 points for wins however overtime will be instituted to break ties.

·         Ties in the final standings of the Round Robin or in Playoff round robin segments will be broken as follows:

1)       Ties Between Two Teams – Reference will be made to the result of game between the same two teams with the winner being positioned higher in the final standings. Should same teams have tied game in Round Robin play, tie will be broken as per formula outlined in Hockey Manitoba Regulations book.

2)       Ties Between Three Teams – Refer to Hockey Manitoba Regulations book, (Total goals for, divided by, total goals for & against)

·         Sudden Death Overtime – Playoff Games Only: 

All players are to be listed in numerical order on game sheet. In order of appearance, identify the seven players + goalie, in the PEN/OT column, that will be utilized in OT. The OT players are to be identified on the game sheet prior to start of game. First shift, skaters 1, 2 & 3 + goalie for a two minute shift. Second shift, players 4 & 5 + goalie for a two minute shift. Third shift, skater 6 + goalie for a two minute shift. Fourth shift, skater 7/no goalie until winner determined. In overtime, all skaters and goalies must play their entire shift. Any minor penalty assessed during overtime will result in a Penalty Shot. Any major penalty assessed in overtime will result in a penalty shot.  If a goal is not scored on a penalty shot awarded as a result of a major penalty, the player will serve the major penalty in its entirety and his/her team will play short handed until the penalty expires. 

Please note that any minor penalty, that still has time to be served at the end of regulation time, will carry over into the overtime sessions. The player who will serve the remaining penalty time in the overtime session will be skater 1, 2 or 3. Upon the expiration of the penalty, the player will leave the penalty box and join the play. A double minor or major penalty that carries over into the overtime session will be served in the same fashion. Should the penalty time exceed the first overtime shift, skater 4 or 5 would then serve the balance of the penalty. Should a major penalty carry over into the third or fourth overtime shift, the team with the Power Play will identify an extra player, not included in the original seven, and will have a 2 on 1 advantage until the penalty expires. When the penalty expires, the penalized player will join the play and the teams will play 2 on 2 until the first stoppage. Numerical strength will then revert to 1 on 1, with the players originally identified on the game sheet taking part. 

Good Luck in the Christmas Challenge!