The 20th Annual Capital Winter Classic Tournament
Presented by the Kanata Blazers & Sensplex Tournaments
January 16–18, 2026
TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS
PLAYING RULES
1. Playing Rules
Playing rules will be those recognized by HEO Minor (Hockey Eastern Ontario Minor), except as noted below.
2. Neckguards & Mouthguards
Players are required to wear neckguards for all tournament games if their home district requires them during league play.
3. Body Checking
Body checking is not permitted at any level.
4. Game Length
a) Period structure by division
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U9 Tier I
3 x 10-minute stop-time periods
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U10 Tier II & U11 B/A
2 x 10-minute + 1 x 12-minute stop-time periods
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U11 A/AA, U12 B/A & U13 B/A
1 x 10-minute + 2 x 12-minute stop-time periods
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U12 AA & U13 AA
3 x 12-minute stop-time periods
b) Curfew Clock
A curfew clock may be applied to regulation time during round-robin play at the discretion of the tournament coordinator.
The tournament committee also reserves the right to impose a curfew clock during playoff games in the event of extended injury or prolonged delays.
c) Running Time Rule
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If a team leads by 5 or more goals at the start of, or any time during, the third period, straight running time will begin.
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If a team leads by 7 goals at any time during the first or second period, running time will also begin.
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If the goal differential is reduced to 2 goals or less, stop-time play will resume.
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This rule applies to all games, including round-robin, playoff, and championship games.
5. Time-Outs
One (1) thirty-second (30-second) time-out is permitted in all round-robin and playoff games.
6. Overtime
Overtime is played only in playoff and championship games when regulation time ends in a tie.
Overtime format:
If still tied:
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A shootout with three (3) skaters per team
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Coaches must submit their three shooters immediately following overtime
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The team scoring the most goals wins
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The HOME team chooses to shoot first or last
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Shooting order remains the same for all rounds
If still tied:
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Sudden-death shootout with one new skater per team
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Skaters may not repeat until all eligible skaters have participated
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Once all skaters have shot, the shootout continues in reverse order until a winner is decided
7. Round-Robin Standings
Standings are based on points:
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Win: 2 points
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Tie: 1 point
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Loss: 0 points
8. Tie-Breaking Procedure (Round Robin)
If teams are tied in points, standings will be determined in the following order:
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Head-to-head result (two-team ties only, or if one team has beaten all tied teams)
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Most round-robin wins
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Highest goal ratio: GF ÷ (GF + GA)
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Fewest penalty minutes
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Fewest goals against
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Most goals for
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Most periods with zero goals allowed
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Fastest goal scored in any preliminary round game
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Coin toss by the tournament coordinator or designate
Note: For ties involving three or more teams, once a tie-breaking step is used, previous steps are not revisited.
9. Stick Measurements
Stick measurements are not permitted during games.
Concerns must be raised prior to the game.
10. Game Misconduct Penalties
Any player or team official receiving a game misconduct will receive at minimum the penalty outlined in the HEO Minor Code of Discipline, including at least a one-game suspension.
Additional penalties may be imposed by the tournament committee or governing body.
(Out-of-district teams are advised to consult their home branch discipline codes.)
11. Player of the Game Awards
A player of the game or hardest worker award may be presented after each game.
No player may receive this award more than once during round-robin play.
12. Home Team Designation (Playoffs)
For playoff and championship games, the home team will be the team with the higher round-robin seeding.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION RULES
1. ZERO Tolerance Policy
Taunting or berating of players, officials, staff, or volunteers will not be tolerated.
The Sensplex reserves the right to eject any individual acting improperly.
2. Referee Decisions
All referee decisions are final and may not be appealed.
3. Protests
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Protests require a $200 deposit
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Deposit is returned only if the protest is successful
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Protests must be filed within 15 minutes of game completion
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A ruling will be issued before the team’s next scheduled game
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All tournament committee decisions are final
4. Team Eligibility
“Select” teams are not permitted.
All players must be registered team members or approved affiliates.
5. Forfeited or Suspended Games
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Forfeit score recorded as 3–0, or the greater margin at time of forfeit
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Teams that previously forfeited may lose playoff eligibility if goal ratio is a deciding tie-breaker
6. Team Documentation
Teams must carry:
7. Game Start Readiness
Teams must be ready to play 15 minutes before scheduled start time.
Failure may result in a delay-of-game penalty or forfeit.
8. Tournament Check-In
9. Facility Conduct
Team officials are responsible for all participants.
No shooting, stick-handling, or passing is allowed anywhere except on the ice.
10. Facility Damage
Teams may be removed from the tournament without refund if responsible for damage or unacceptable dressing room conditions.
11. Food & Beverage
No outside food or beverages are permitted inside Sensplex facilities.
12. Warm-Ups & Running
Running in public areas is not permitted.
13. Alcohol Policy
No alcohol or tailgating is permitted on Sensplex property.
14. Building Rules
Teams are responsible for reading and understanding posted facility rules.
15. Rule Amendments
The tournament coordinator reserves the right to modify rules at any time in the best interest of the tournament.