TOURNAMENT
RULES
Simple rules for safe, competitive, and fun hockey. Play hard, play fair, have a blast.
01
GAME FORMAT
- 4v4 format (4 skaters per side, no goalie)
- 2 20-minute running time periods
- 2-minute break between periods
- Total points in opening rounds determines playoff position. Top 2 teams play in the final
- Teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 games
- Championship game will have a 5 minute overtime period. If, after the overtime, there is still a tie, first team to score wins
- Icings and offsides result in a change of possession
- Goals must be scored from the attacking side of the blue line and below the hash marks
- Max. 2 goals per player per game
02
PLAYER CONDUCT
- CSA approved helmet with full face protection, hockey skates, and gloves. Shin/elbow pads are optional.
- No Contact
- No slap shots. Stick blades must remain on the ice during play.
- Keep sticks below the waist
- Respect all players, refs, and volunteers (we are in it for fun!)
- No lifting the puck. Raising of the puck will result in the puck being awarded to the opposing team (Change of possession). Chip passes are permitted (not the same as lifting the puck)
03
PENALTIES
- Ref decisions are final
- All minor rule infractions (unintentional tripping, hooking, slashing, body contact, elbowing) will result in a change of possession
- All major rule infractions which include intentional tripping, hooking, slashing, body contact, elbowing, fighting, or swearing, and abuse of any official or committee member, or any action with intent to injure, will result in ejection from the tournament with no substitution allowed for the offending player’s team
04
SCORING & STANDINGS
- Win = 2 points
- Tie = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
- Tiebreakers: Head-to-head, goal differential, goals for
05
TEAM LOGISTICS
- Teams will be announced before tournament day
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled game
- Bring light and dark jerseys (teams will coordinate)
- Players rotate on the fly—keep shifts short!
SPIRIT OF THE GAME
Above all, the Winter Women's Classic is about the love of hockey and the community we build together. We play to compete, but we play with respect. We push ourselves, but we lift each other up.
Remember: it's shinny. Keep it fun, keep it safe, and enjoy every shift.
QUESTIONS?
Have a question about the rules? We're happy to help.