Rules

The tournament follows the Finnish Ice Hockey Association's U11 competition rules alongside these tournament-specific rules.

Tournament format

Teams are divided into two preliminary groups of four, playing a single-series format (three matches per team).

Teams earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.

Group rankings will be determined according to the following rules:

1. Points
2. Points in head-to-head matches
3. Goal difference in head-to-head matches
4. Goals scored in head-to-head matches
5. Overall goal difference in the group
6. Overall goals scored in the group
7. Penalty minutes in the group
8. Draw (Lottery)

Following the group stage, every team plays two playoff matches. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals and medal rounds, while the 3rd and 4th placed teams play cross-over placement matches.

Games

The games are played on a full-size rink 5 vs 5 + goaltenders. The duration of the matches is 2 x 15 minutes of effective playing time. There is a 1-minute intermission between periods, during which teams switch ends. The maximum total duration for a game is 45 minutes. Time-outs are not allowed.

The duration of a minor penalty in the tournament is 1 minute. A match penalty results in a one-game suspension, to be served during the team's next game in the tournament. The Jury will review all game misconducts separately for any possible further sanctions.

Teams must be ready to start the game 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Any team late for the scheduled start will have to start the game trailing 5–0. The official tournament time is determined by the clock on the arena wall.

Preliminary round games can end in a draw. In the playoffs, if the game is tied at the end of regulation (effective or total game time), the winner will be determined immediately by a game-winning shot competition (shootout). The away team (listed in the schedule) will start the shootout. Each team initially names three shooters. If the score is tied after three pairs, the competition continues on a sudden death basis, one pair at a time in reverse order (the home team shoots first). The same player may not shoot again until all other players on the team have taken at least as many shots in the shootout. The game is decided when one team scores and the other does not.

The home team (according to the game schedule) will wear dark jerseys, and the away team will wear light jerseys. If a team only has one set of jerseys available, they must coordinate and agree on the jersey colors with their opponent well in advance of the match.

Players and team staff

The tournament is open to players born in 2016 or later who are registered with the participating teams. Participation of players born before 2016 must be agreed upon separately with the tournament organizer.

Teams will add their player rosters, including jersey numbers, to the Game Results Online website. Any last-minute changes to the roster must be reported to the tournament office no later than 30 minutes before the team’s first game of the tournament.

If a team has only one designated goalkeeper, they may use another goalkeeper, for example, by borrowing one from another team in the tournament, in the event of an injury or illness.

In accordance with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association's competition and junior rules, as well as the official rulebook, a game misconduct penalty issued to a team official will lead to automatic disqualification from the tournament.

Protests

Any protests will be handled by the tournament jury, which consists of three representatives from the tournament organization. The tournament manager serves as the chairperson of the jury. A protest may only be filed by a team manager. The protest must be submitted in writing within 20 minutes of the end of the match and must be justified. A receipt of the paid protest fee must be attached to the protest. The protest fee is 200 €. The account number can be obtained from the tournament office. When a protest is filed, the jury may hear or request a statement from the head referee of the match in question and from the opposing team. The protest fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

Insurance

The organizers have not insured the players or team officials and are not liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur. All participating players and officials must be registered and insured in accordance with the rules of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association. First aid will be provided on-site by the tournament organizer. The organizer is not responsible for any thefts that may occur during the tournament. The locker rooms are lockable.

Respect the game

The players, officials, and parents of the organizing team are committed to the rules of Fair Play, which include polite behavior and respect for others. We expect the same from all participating teams and their supporters.

Other

The tournament organizer reserves the right to take photos during the event and publish them online and on social media without further notice.

The tournament organizer reserves the right to make changes to these rules.