NORWEST MINOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RULES - 2022

1. Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO)/Hockey Canada official 2021-22 rules will be governing Tournament Play.
2. All teams must submit a valid travel permit to the tournament committee prior to their first game. 
3. Out of town coaches and managers are requested to provide a local contact phone number where they can be reached.
4. No more than five (5) team officials are allowed at the players’ bench during the game. Only registered players and team officials will be allowed in team dressing rooms. Dressing rooms must be vacated within fifteen minutes after each game. 
5. Full face masks and helmets are compulsory for all players including goaltenders. neck guards and mouth guards are mandatory for all players in this tournament.
6. Games will start early if the tournament is running ahead of schedule. Teams should be ready to play 15 minutes in advance of scheduled game start as games may start early.
7. All Games will consist of three (3) fifteen (15) minute periods stop time.  A 3-minute warm up will be allowed prior to each game (time permitting) once the Zamboni doors are closed.  In the semi-final and championship game, each team will be allowed one, one minute time out.
8. If a 5-goal spread occurs after the end of the 2nd period, the rest of the game will be played straight time unless the 5 goal spread decreases. The 5-goal differential will be used (if needed) to calculate in the event of a tie at end of round robin. No goals exceeding the 5-goal differential will be used in the calculation.
9. Referees’ decisions are final. All on-ice calls by referees are not subject to protests.
10. All suspensions are determined by the rules set out by Lakehead Minor Hockey League and Thunder Bay Minor Hockey Association as governed by Hockey Northwestern Ontario. Any suspension that is not fully served during the tournament will carry over to league or tournament play after the tournament. Team Officials should consult the tournament committee about any suspensions handed out 
11. Player, Coach, & Fan Conduct: The conduct of all players, coaches, & fans are to be beyond reproach both on & off the ice. A ZERO TOLERANCE policy regarding abusive language & unsportsmanlike behavior toward anyone is strictly enforced. Any misconduct by any team member or team fan can result in immediate disqualification of the entire team from the tournament.
12. Bench/Referee Communications: Coaches & players are not permitted to argue or complain about any calls made by the referees. Coaches may ask for clarification on calls in a calm constructive adult manner. Coaches should not yell or shout any negative comments or remarks about referees either directly or indirectly. Any coaches displaying any unacceptable behavior, including yelling, screaming or swearing on the bench may be given a bench penalty or ejected from the game. Timekeepers & tournament committee are also instructed to inform referees of any of the above-mentioned inappropriate behavior by coaches.
13. Protests, Complaints & Parents: Only the head coach is permitted to approach tournament committee with complaints or protests. Coaches are responsible for their team’s parental behavior & the tournament committee have the authority to issue a team forfeit of any game when a parent of a team breaks this rule or any other zero tolerance rules. Coaches are required to inform all the team's parents attending the tournament of this rule & the consequences to the team for any individual breaking this rule before arriving at the tournament.

1. If two teams are tied in points:
   1. Head-to-head
   2. Team with the most wins
   3. Best percentage — (goals for divided by (goals for + goals against).
   4. Most goals
   5. Coin toss
2. If three teams are tied in points:
   1. Head-to-head (if possible)
   2. Team with the most wins
   3. Best percentage — (goals for divided by (goals for + goals against).
   4. Most goals
   5.  Coin toss
3. Team with the highest percentage in the Round Robin is home team in the championship game.

 PLAYOFF OVERTIME RULES
 If a game ends in a tie after regulation play the following overtime format will take place:

1. There will be one (1) five (5) minute stop time, three on three sudden victory overtime period. 
2. If a game is still tied after this overtime period, a shootout will occur with each team selecting 3 shooters. Home team decides who goes first.
3. If game is still tied after 3 shooters, the shootout will progress with one player from each team until a winner is declared. Individual players cannot shoot twice until everyone on the team has taken a shot.