Double Knockout FORMAT (Most divisions)
The games will be the same format as the regular season (3 periods of 12 minute stop time) but with overtime. The playoff format is double knockout (see exception below affecting some divisions). Thus, you must lose 2 games before being eliminated. If you make it to the finals without a loss, the opposition must win twice to win the division. Alternatively, if you make it to the finals with a previous loss, you must win twice.
Round Robin Format (A few divisions)
All teams end up in a final match similar to the Confed Xmas tournament (A final, B final, etc... depedning on the number of teams). There will still be OT since winners and losers have to be determined for each game.
TEAM SHEETS
Please remember you MUST have your team sheet with you at all games.AFFILIATES - quote from"Coaches Handbook & Guide"
Except for Novice, Affiliates MAY be used for League, City Playoffs, City Finals, Exhibition and Tournament games only.
GAME SHEETS AND REPORTING OF SCORES
Please drop off your game sheets in the same format as for regular season games as no one will be taking the extra copies from you at the rinks like during MHW. However, you will be REQUIRED TO PHONE the "tournament director for your division" ASAP after the games so the scores can be sent in to the the city director. The tournament directors for your division will be calling you some time in the future after the playoff schedules are posted.
OVERTIME
Overtime format is the same as for Minor Hockey Week (MHW). The rules are in your coaches handbook. They will be posted along with other rules in all dressing rooms during the finals. Teams do not change ends for OT. When a game goes into overtime, the clock is set at 1 minute and the teams play 5 on 5 (+ goalies). If no goal is scored when the horn sounds, the clock is reset at 1 minute and play is now 4 on 4 (you have the opportunity to change players after each minute or during play). This continues for each minute (1 player less per minute) until play is 1 on 1 (+ goalies) [call this 2 on 2]. At this time, the clock is set at 6 minutes and play continues until a goal is scored. If no goal is scored in these 6 minutes, it is reset to 10 minutes.
The faceoff after the horn sounds will occur in the zone where the puck was last controlled and does not go back to center ice like at the start of overtime. When play gets to 2 on 2 (or some other time if you so choose), you have the opportunity of pulling your goalie and having 2 skaters versus 1 skater and a goalie (or both teams could pull their goalie). It is very important which zone the puck is in any time you have a whistle during 2 vs 2 as one or both goalies may have been pulled. NOTE - the play should start at centre ice for the beginning of 2 vs 2 (both the 6 min and 10 min period of this format).
Expect overtime to be terribly exciting but somewhat stressful with several quick decisions that will need to be made, especially as you have fewer and fewer players on the ice and a very crowded bench. A little planning will go a long way to assist you at this time. Personally, I have most of my OT lineup determined before I get to the rink, with the exception being who steps on the ice when reduced to 3, 2, or 1 skater.
PENALTIES IN OT
At no time is a team to have less than 2 players on the ice. Thus if penalties are unexpired at the beginning of 2 on 2 play or awarded during 2 on 2 play, a penalty shot is taken instead.
REFEREES
You will pay the referees for playoff games though you haven't received money from Confed at this time to do so. You will be compensated after the playoffs are completed since the number of games you play is yet to be determined. The rates are slightly higher, contact your category director for costs and reimbursement details.