2026 CHC Tournament Play

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

There are two PDF files and one link attached to this note. One is the CHC tournament rules for Youth/Boys, one is tie-breaking procedures, and the link is to the USA Hockey Tournament Guidebook. The names of the files are self-evident. Please make sure you are familiar with the overtime and shootout policies and procedures. Protective equipment rules, including neck laceration protectors and mouthpieces are in effect, as they have been for the entire season.

For all 10U, Youth/Boys 12U, Youth/Boys14U T3, and Youth/Boys 14U T4:

• Will use the CHC tournament guidelines document
• Teams must be ready to play 20 mins prior to the scheduled start time. This means the officials must be ready to go on the ice 20 mins prior to the scheduled start time. Please adjust your arrival time at the rink accordingly.
• Rules as identified in the CHC State Tournament Guidelines (see link below)
• Includes no time outs until the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final games, no tie breaking procedures until the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final games
• The curfew rule is not in effect for tournament games. Full period lengths are to be played. There will be no shortening the third period to accomodate for time.
• For 10U Tier 2, 10U Tier 3 and all Tier 4: if there is a six goal differential during the third period running time will apply. The clock will stop to set penalty time and then will restart at the next faceoff. If the deficit drops to below six goals, then stop time go back into effect

Youth/Boys National tournament bound teams (13O and 14U Tier 1 & 2)

• Will use the USA Hockey Tournament Guidebook rules (see link below)
• Includes one sixty-second time-out allowed in all games
• Ice cut before the game and between the 2nd and 3rd period only
• All games must play to a winner (using the overtime and shootout procedures in the tournament guidebook).
• Officials do not take part in any tie-breaking discussions during round-robin play. That is for the tournament committee.

For the girls 12U Tier 1 and Tier 2 tournaments:

• Ice slots have been scheduled to allow plenty of time between games. Please plan your arrival based on the scheduled start time. Do not assume that the tournament will be running late.
• The girls tournaments will follow the USA Hockey Tournament Guidebook for 2025-2026 (see the link below)
• There will be an ice cut before the game only
• All games must be played to a winner. Please familiarize yourself with Section U on page 34 of the USA Hockey Guidebook for information on overtimes and shootouts.
• Officials do not take part in any tie breaking discussions during round-robin play. That is for the tournament committee.
• Standard period and penalty lengths will apply.
• There is no provision for running time for the girls tournament.