Tournament Rules 2026

General Rules

·         All rules and regulations of Hockey Canada, the Ontario Hockey Federation and Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario are in force.

·         Managers and Coaches must attend the tournament office in each facility before each game to fill out paper game sheets.

·         If both teams have the same colour jerseys, the home team must change.

·         Only arena personnel, referees, conveners, and timekeepers are allowed in the timekeeper’s box.

·         OHF minimum suspension list will be used for MAJOR, MISCONDUCT & MATCH penalties. Additional suspensions may be applied by the Tournament Director.

·         Three minor penalties result in a game ejection.

·         Games may start up to 15 minutes early except for the first games of the day, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Teams must be ready 15 minutes before scheduled time.

·         Teams must be ready to go on the ice once the resurfacing door is closed; warm-up starts immediately.

·         After warm-up, teams must line up immediately for the opening face-off.

·         Teams must perform handshakes at centre ice after each game.

·         Visiting team leaves ice first; home team waits for referee direction.

Substitute Players

·         Substitutes may be used for illness or unavailability to ensure fair play.

·         Substitutes should not replace suspended players unless required to avoid cancellation.

·         Substitutes allowed when roster falls below 10 skaters and 1 goalie for U11 and above.

·         Substitutions must be like-for-like (e.g., C-level for C-level). House Select may only replace House Select.

·         Substitute players may not play more than 3 games per day including regular team games.

·         Teams visiting from outside Sarnia must inform the Tournament Director prior to bringing substitute (AP) players.

·         Tournament Director or Division Conveners must approve the use of Substitute or Affiliate Players prior to player stepping on the ice.

Game Lengths and Special Circumstances

·         U11 and above round-robin games: 10-10-10 minute stop time periods.

·         Quarter-final, Semi-final, and Championship: 10-10-15 minute stop time periods.

·         No time-out in round robin play.

·         Five-goal differential in 3rd period triggers running clock until reduced to less than 5.

·         Maximum five-goal differential shown on scoreboard and posted in standings.

·         One 30-second timeout per team allowed in Quarter, Semi, and Final games.

Round Robin Play and Play-off Formats

·         U11: Top 4 teams advance to Semi-Finals.

·         U13: Top 6 advance to Quarter-Finals; Top 2 receive bye to Semi-Finals.

·         U15: Top 4 advance to Semi-Finals.

·         U18: Top 4 teams in each Pool advance to Quarter-Finals.

Standings

·         Two points for a win; one point for a tie.

·         Tiebreakers for two teams: Head-to-head, most wins, best scoring percentage, fastest first goal.

·         Tiebreakers for three or more teams: Most wins, best scoring percentage, fastest first goal.

Play-off Sudden Victory Overtime Format

·         One 5-minute stop-time 3-on-3 period.

·         Penalties carry over; teams adjust to 4-on-3 for power play.

·         When Penalty expires 4-on-4 play continues until stoppage in play.

·         If still tied: 3v3 player shootout.

·         If still tied: 1v1 shootout rounds until winner declared. 

·         Each shootout round must use new players until every eligible skater has participated.

In the case of any disputes, the Tournament Directors decision will be final.