Tournament Format:
The tournament will utilize a round-robin format with each team guaranteed four games minimum. All games will be held on a 112’ x 64’ regulation-sized pond hockey rink, complete with a set of 18" tall Nice Rink custom dasher boards and custom metal pond hockey nets, and feature a two-minute warm-up, two 15-minute running time halves and a 2-minute half time intermission. USA Hockey playing rules will be followed.
Each team will be randomly placed into a pool within your division and play a minimum of 4 games in the round robin pool. After the round robin play is complete, the top teams from each pool will move on to the finals bracket, as outlined below. In the event of a tie, the team with the least 'Goals Against' will advance. If it is still tied, the teams will have a shootout which will include 3 players per team. The team with the most goals wins. A puck will be flipped to decide which team shoots first.
Forfeits:
A team whose opponent does not show up will receive a win. They will also receive the average winning team goal differential of 5 GF. The opponent has until half time to show, after the first half is over, the team will be awarded a forfeit win. The rink will be cleared and used for maintenance opportunities.
Playoff Seedings:
Seed placements per division are determined by:
- Record (W-L)
- Least goals against
- If still tied, 3 v 3 shootout
Playoff Qualifications:
Total number of teams from each division will be finalized after registration is closed and the final schedule is confirmed. This will be done the week prior to the tournament and will be predicated on total number of team registered per age group & division. It is expected that a minimum of 4 teams from each group will proceed to the playoffs.
Team Check In:
Each team manager must check-in a minimum of one (1) hour before your first scheduled game at the 9280 Pond Hockey Tournament Registration Center. 9280 Pond Hockey Tournament & Keystone Resorts (Vail Resorts) waivers must be completed for all participants prior to playing. At this time your manager will receive the team bag with assorted schwag and helmet stickers. All players are required to have 9280 stickers on their helmets for access to the playing surface.