Puckhead Hockey Club Founder’s Cup 2026

1st ANNUAL PUCKHEAD HOCKEY CLUB FOUNDERS CUP TOURNAMENT – 2026 When & Where:
Dates: January 2–4, 2026
Location: Scottsdale Ice Den
Start Time: First game is Friday, Jan. 2 at 4:45 PM
Championship Game: Sunday, Jan. 4 at 9:30 AM
Full schedule will be released once finalized. REGISTRATION DUE DATE: October 15th, 2025 TOURNAMENT INFO Game Format: 3 x 20-minute stop-time periods 2 x 2-minute intermissions 5-minute warm-up 4 teams, 4 guaranteed games per team (3 round-robin + Championship or Consolation Game) Division: TBD based on registrations on October 15th, 2025 Tournament Fee: $350 per player for Club Members $300 per player for VIP Members $300 per player for Goalies Eligibility:
Open only to Puckhead Club and VIP Members from both AZ and CA Regions. All players will register as free agents. Teams will be drafted in traditional Puckhead format and processes. **If currently a guest, you may upgrade to Club or VIP an then register for this tournament** TEAM SETUP 4 teams total 15 skaters + 1 goalie per team All registrants will be placed on the waitlist at first The division will be determined after registration has concluded on October 15th. Members not qualified for the division will be notified. On October 18th, a livestream of the randomly selected members for the tournament will take place. October 20th will be when the event is reconciled resulting in the nonrefundable tournament fee being charged from each member’s account. If any cancellations from October 18th to October 20th occur, a member from the waitlist will be randomly chosen. Similarly, if any cancellations occur after October 20th, a member from the waitlist will be randomly selected until the spot is filled. Event Fee charged on October 18th to those on the active roster Non-refundable — All spots are considered nonrefundable after the charge on October 18th

PUCKHEAD HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RULES

The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Division is governed by Puckhead Hockey Club. All tournament games are played according to the rules and regulations outlined below. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH PLAYER, COACH AND TEAM TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE RULES, REGULATIONS, PROCEDURES, AND POLICIES ADDRESSED HEREIN. Violation of any of the rules herein will result in disciplinary procedures, including potential disqualification from the tournament and potentially Puckhead Hockey Club overall.

GAME RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Verification that all participating members are officially registered on the Puckhead Hockey website as a club or VIP member is required prior to the start of the tournament. Approved registrations shall be proof that all members of each team are properly registered and appropriate age and skill classification for the tournament.

1. All members must register on the Puckhead Hockey website. No other methods of submission will be accepted unless approved (and/or directed) by the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff. Teams will be created by Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff after all registrations are completed.

1. Unless otherwise approved by the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff, and except where noted, the following applies to all participating teams. All decisions of the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff are final.

1. 1. Players can only be rostered on one team and will NOT be allowed to play for multiple teams, regardless of what division the teams are in. Please note that NO players can be added to the roster at game time. No combining of teams/players or substitutions will be accepted.
   2. All teams must be comprised of players on their original/existing team roster and must also play in the same division originally assigned.
   3. In the event of a player injury, or other urgent need (e.g. emergency goalie), substitute player eligibility will be determined and reviewed for approval on a case-by-case basis.

1. All team representatives are responsible for checking-in with the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff for locker room assignments, schedule changes, suspensions, and other important information. All schedules, scores and standings will be updated on the Puckhead Hockey Facebook page after each game.

1. Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff will be available at the arena during all tournament hours to answer questions regarding specific hockey issues, scheduling, tournament events, directions, and other matters pertinent to the tournament operation. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff is responsible for all inquiries or disputes regarding application of rules, interpretation of rules, player eligibility, disciplinary action and any other procedural disputes.

GAME RULES AND REGULATIONS – PUCKHEAD HOCKEY CLUB FOUNDERS CUP

Founders Cup Rules and Regulations are outlined below. If a situation arises that is not covered by these Tournament Rules a decision will be determined by Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff. All decisions of the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff are final. Puckhead Hockey reserves the right to change or adapt any tournament rules at any given time.

1. General Rink: Follow designated signage and directions from Rink and Tournament Staff.

1. Locker Rooms / Dressing Areas: All teams must use assigned locker rooms or dressing areas given at check-in prior to each game. A combination of locker rooms & dressing areas may be used. In addition to the regular locker rooms, temporary locker rooms may be set up, when possible, so each team has a separate locker room. Access to the locker rooms and/or dressing areas will be managed per the discretion of each ice facility. Locker Rooms MUST be vacated within 20 minutes of the conclusion of each team’s scheduled game/ice time. Each team needs to ensure that locker room or dressing area is clean (no remaining trash/tape/food/drink) prior to vacating it. Team members are responsible for all damage done to the locker room, dressing area, or the facility. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff or Arena will not be held responsible for any items lost or stolen during the tournament.

1. 1. 1. Unapproved, non-team personnel, including parents and family members are discouraged from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary.
      2. Cell Phones and Mobile Recording Devices: cell phones and mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room.

1. Rosters: Only players (including goalkeepers) listed on the Official Team Roster may play in tournament games. A player’s name may only appear on one roster for the Tournament. Any  players previously ejected from the tournament may attend tournament games but are not allowed on the player bench area.

1. Supplemental Roster Verification: Teams may be subject to supplemental Team roster and/or individual player verification at any time. If it is determined by the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff at any point during round robin game(s) that a team in any tournament division is playing with ineligible players, that team may be subject to supplemental discipline, including but not limited to, permitting the team to play the minimum number of games, but receiving a 3-0 forfeit loss for those games and not being permitted to advance to the championship round, suspension of individual players and/or coaches, or disqualification of the team from the tournament. NOTE: All Players on the roster must play in at least one round robin game to be eligible for medal play.

1. Game/Score Sheet: A Coach or Manager must check in before each game with the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff and mark any scratches from a game (player not dressing) that must be reported to the scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. A copy of the score sheet will be delivered to your locker room at the end of the game. Do not wait on the ice surface, or in/around the player’s bench, penalty box or scorekeeping area for the score sheet. Each team representative is responsible for checking the accuracy of the score sheet. Discrepancies must satisfy one of the following criteria below:

1. 1. Changing of a goal scorer
   2. Changing of an assist
   3. Correction of Goalie minutes played.
   4. Correction if a wrong player was assessed a penalty on the score sheet.
   5. Removing a player from the score sheet who did not participate in the game.
   6. Adding a player who participated in the game but was inadvertently omitted from the score sheet.

Discrepancies must be reported to the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff for review prior to the start of the next scheduled game. Once verified and approved, scoresheets will be updated as soon as possible.

1. Uniforms: Home and Visiting teams are indicated on the tournament schedule. Home teams shall wear BLUE PUCKHEAD jerseys and matching socks. Visitors will wear RED PUCKHEAD jerseys and matching socks. All jerseys must have a player number clearly displayed. Numbers worn must correspond to the numbers listed on the scorekeeper’s roster.

1. Protective Equipment: All safety equipment is highly recommended during play and at a minimum all required equipment of the rink must be worn at all times. As a Puckhead Hockey member, the original club terms and conditions including the injury waiver apply to participation in any Puckhead Hockey Club event including this tournament.

1. Players’ Bench: Only players (including goalkeepers), coaches and/or team personnel listed on the Official Team Roster are eligible to be on the players’ bench during the games. Teams are limited to (4) four team officials on the players’ bench at any given time. A player or goalkeeper on the Official Team Roster who is unable to play, other than through ejection, may be on the players’ bench without being considered team personnel provided he/she is in uniform (e.g. team jersey) and wearing all required head and face protective equipment. Ejected players may attend tournament games but are not allowed on the players’ bench or surrounding area. All parents, visitors, and spectators are to remain away from the players’ bench and penalty box areas. All team coaches and/or team personnel may occupy the players’ bench prior to the completion of the ice resurfacing. ALL PLAYERS SHALL REMAIN OFF THE ICE SURFACE UNTIL THE ZAMBONI DOORS HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY CLOSED, NETS ARE IN PLACE AND ON-ICE OFFICIALS ARE PRESENT OR GIVEN THE OK BY A PUCKHEAD HOCKEY STAFF MEMBER. Failure to do so may result in a minor penalty assessment. Teams must exit and enter the ice through separate doors whenever possible. All players shall exit the ice surface immediately after the game concludes.

1. Penalty / Box Attendant: Only coaches and/or team personnel listed on the Official Team Roster are eligible at facilities where penalty box attendants are allowed.

1. Officials / Referees: All on-ice officials that oversee tournament games may be certified by USA Hockey.

1. Penalties: Penalty times for all divisions will be as follows. Players may not leave the penalty box between periods.

1. 1. Minor 2 minutes
   2. Major 5 minutes
   3. Ejection – fighting or conflict with any referee or timekeeper will result in an ejection
   4. 12 Team penalties in a game – the game will end immediately and the team incurring 12 penalties in the game will forfeit.
   5. 4 penalties to the same player in a game – The member will be ejected for the remainder of the game and maybe the entire tournament dependent on a Puckhead Hockey Tournament staff review.
   6. Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct -This will result in an ejection of the tournament.

1. Misconducts: Any fighting or abusive of officials or other serious misconduct will result in an immediate tournament ejection. Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff will not overturn any dispute concerning rules and/or the judgment applied by on-ice officials without a review. Puckhead Hockey reserves the right to review all cases involving major penalties, game misconducts, and gross misconducts. Puckhead Hockey reserves the right to magnify punishments of any reviewed penalty. If ejected, player may be banned from some or all future tournaments.

1. Body Checking/Competitive Contact: No intentional body contact or checking is allowed at any level. Any player committing a hit on an opposing player that is deemed to be predatory will be in the sole discretion of the on-ice official and subject to review after the conclusion of the game by Puckhead Tournament Staff. If it is determined that a member intentionally hits an on-ice official, that member will be immediately ejected from the tournament as a whole.

1. Offside whistles: Offside whistles are subject to delayed offside regulations.

1. Game Time: It is recommended that teams should arrive at the rink at least 45-minutes before their scheduled game time. All teams must be ready to begin play up to 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each game. If the on-ice officials are ready to begin the game at the scheduled start time and a team is not ready to begin at that time, it will be given a five-minute grace period. If a team is not ready to start at the conclusion of the grace period, the team that is not read will forfeit. If a goalie is not ready by the start time, Puckhead Hockey Staff will have goalies on standby in case of emergencies.

1. Game (Period) Lengths: Tournament games are allotted as follows: 4 guaranteed games, subject to the rules and regulations herein. In the event that a game is being played in an unsafe manner, the referee, at his/her discretion, can end the game at any point. A full report must then be forwarded to the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff. All games will be played to completion, provided there is no curfew. Game length: Three 20-minute periods, stopped time.

1. Warm-up period: Warm-ups are five minutes in length. The scorekeeper will mark the official start time on the score sheet at the start of the warm-up period. NOTE: Warm-up pucks are provided. • Rest Time: There will be a two-minute break between each period. Immediately after the first and second periods, the timekeeper will begin the two-minute countdown on the game clock. The next period shall begin immediately after the break. Special events may or may not occur during intermissions of regular play games.

1. Run Time: If at any time during the third period the goal differential reaches seven, the game clock will go to running time and will not stop for any reason other than at the direction of the on-ice officials until the game ends. The game clock will not be stopped for goals scored, penalties, or any other reason while the “mercy rule” is in effect, unless directed by the on-ice officials. Also, if it is determined that the normal pace of play will result in exceeding allotted time limit, the third period may be played as run time to ensure game completion does not exceed allotted time slot.

1. Time Out: There are no time-outs in round robin play. One time-out per team is allowed during regulation play of medal games. There are no times outs allowed during overtime of Medal Games.

1. Tie Games: For round-robin games, if the game ends in a tie, each team will be awarded a point. For medal round games see Overtime and Shootout Procedures outlined in item #22.

1. Determining Divisional Standings: Total points determine standings within a division. Points are earned as follows: Win = 2 points ● Tie = 1 point ● Loss = 0 points
   1. Teams are slotted from 1st through 4th place based on total points.
   2. In the event of a two team tie: The team with the highest diversity of scorers will proceed.
   3. In the event of a three team tie: The team with the highest diversity of scorers will proceed.

1. Overtime & Shootout Procedures: In the event of a tie at the end of regulation in Medal Games, a winner will be determined by the teams engaging in a shootout. Three skaters per team will take alternating penalty shots against the opposing goaltender. If still tied after three shots, ‘sudden death’ shots will be taken to reach a decision. All players on a roster must shoot before any player can take additional attempts.

SHOOTOUT PROCEDURE

1. 1. Each team will select three (3) players to participate in the shootout. If a player is injured or is serving a penalty and unable to participate in the shootout the next eligible player is entitled to participate. Once a player shoots he/she is no longer eligible to participate until every player on the bench (excluding goaltenders, players serving penalties or players that are injured) has participated at least once.
   2. In the first round, one player from each team will alternate their shot. Home Team shoots first.
   3. Players will start at center ice and will begin play at the direction of the referee. Goalkeepers must remain in their crease until the shooting player has started play by touching the puck.
   4. Players are allowed one shot/shooting attempt only.
   5. After all six (6) players have finished their attempts; the team with the most goals is declared the winner.
   6. If, after all six (6) players have finished their attempts, the game remains tied; each team will start the second round by selecting one (1) player, who has not yet participated in the shootout, to take a turn. The shootout will proceed one player at a time with each team having an equal number of turns. One turn for each team constitutes a round. Only after all players (not including goaltenders and players serving penalties) listed on the game scoresheet have participated may a player take a second turn. During the second round and beyond, the team that scores first, with the other failing to score, is declared the winner.
   7. Player(s) serving a penalty are not eligible to participate in the shootout.

POLICIES

1. Zero Tolerance Policy: Puckhead Hockey supports the zero tolerance initiatives for verbal abuse of any player, official, parent or spectator. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff and/or rink staff reserves the right to remove any violator from the premises. Team representatives and/or coaches are responsible for the actions and behaviors of their players, parents, and fans. The game officials reserve the right to assess penalties for abuse, from players, the bench, or the fans. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff has the right to refuse play of the upcoming game or for future games for any player who threatens or uses obscene or abusive language to any member of the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff or facility staff. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff and/or facility staff, reserve the right to remove and prohibit further entrance to the facility, to any individual that the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff and/or facility staff deem in their sole discretion, to display general unsportsmanlike behavior.

1. Team Placements: The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff determines the eligibility of each player based upon Puckhead Hockey ratings and and knowledge of members skill levels acquired through observation of Puckhead games.

1. Communication Policy and Protocol: Tournament information and updates are communicated directly with Team Representatives and/or Head Coaches. Team Representatives are responsible for communicating this information to their players and families. Communications directed to the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff should come from the Head Coach and/or Team Representative only. Any/all communications (via email, phone or otherwise) directed to the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff that is not from the participating Team’s Head Coach and/or Team Representative will not be accepted or acknowledged.

1. Cancellation Policies: PANDEMIC/FORCE MAJEURE CANCELLATION POLICY Should Puckhead Hockey be forced to cancel an event due to the pandemic/Force Majeure, 100% of all fees paid will be credited to a future event. STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY Tournament fees are non-refundable.

1. Photography: The tournament may designate an official photographer for the event. Taking photos of players from the player’s bench or above the glass is not allowed for safety reasons. The Tournament Photographer is an approved vendor of Puckhead Hockey and the facility in which the tournament event is being held, and all other vendors or persons will be asked to leave the facility. Individuals who do not comply may also be asked to leave.

1. Noisemakers: Noisemakers are strongly discouraged. Noisemakers are not allowed in the lobby area. Use of any type of artificial noisemakers in the on-ice seating area are strongly discouraged as a courtesy to nearby spectators. All spectators are asked to display good sportsmanship and recognize that it is just as important as players’ conduct on ice. The primary purpose of this tournament is to provide a positive and fun atmosphere for all participants. Air horns are not permitted in any of the facilities. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff or rink staff reserve the right to remove any spectator who they determine to be interfering with other spectators’ enjoyment of the game.

1. Damages: After all games, players are responsible for cleaning up all trash in their respective locker room(s). Any person causing damage to tournament facility(s) and/or tournament or facility(s) property will be fined commensurate with the damage and will be removed from the premises and/or suspended from all tournament activities and/or venues until the fine is paid in full. All persons are subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

1. Weapons: players, coaches, spectators, and any other individuals are expressly prohibited from bringing, using, or exposing firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind on tournament premises, except to the extent expressly permitted by applicable law.

1. Alcohol, Containers and Smoking: Alcoholic beverages and/or glass containers are prohibited on premises unless in designated areas (ie restaurant). Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action against the offending individuals, including possible ejection from the tournament. This applies to the dressing rooms, player area, parking lot, grounds, and restaurant/bar area (alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought into the restaurant/bar area). Smoking (traditional and e-cigarettes) is not permitted in the facility. Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to comply with tournament facility rules at all times. In addition, Puckhead Hockey has a zero tolerance drug policy. Any member to be found under the influence of any illegal drugs will be eject from the tournament and removed from the premises.

1. Scorekeepers: Puckhead Hockey will supply one scorekeeper for each game during the tournament.

1. Ambulance Service: To ensure the quickest response time, anyone may contact EMT Services (911) in the event of an emergency. You may contact the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff or the facility staff to call 911. Any trips to the hospital using the transportation of an ambulance service or any other means that requires payment of service fee is the responsibility of the transported.

1. Best Interest of the Tournament: The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff is responsible for all inquiries or disputes regarding interpretation or application of rules, player eligibility, disciplinary action, and any other procedural disputes. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff is solely responsible for enforcement of the rules contained herein and determination of any disciplinary measures for any violation for any rule contained herein, which may include any action deemed appropriate by the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff up to and including disqualification of a team from the tournament. While the majority of rules and policies needed to ensure smooth operation of the tournament are addressed herein, there may be issues, circumstances or situations arise that may not have been addressed or may appear ambiguous to one or more participants (teams, players, coaches, parents, etc.). In all cases the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff reserves the right to interpret policies and rules, or add, amend or remove any Puckhead Founders Cup Tournament procedure, policy, rule or regulation, including, but not limited to, playing rules, roster or eligibility rules, game schedules or format, select or permit qualified teams to participate in the tournament or to align or change teams in any particular skill level or division at any time, in the best interest of the tournament. Should an issue, situation or circumstance arise that is not explicitly addressed herein, the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff, at its discretion may rule on the issue, circumstance or situation and act accordingly. The Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff may overturn any dispute concerning rules and /or the judgment applied by on-ice officials. All decisions made by the Puckhead Hockey Tournament Staff are final.