Wish Cup Ice - Rule Set

Play Down Policy

Updated "Play Down Policy" (MAY 1, 2024)

After careful consideration and multiple meetings with team managers our board has voted on the following weighted systemx:

  1. 30+ is an open division. There are no restrictions on PRO/AA etc players playing in this division
  2. Club - No PRO or AA players allowed. Any club team may roster UP TO two A/B players (not counting goalies)
  3. A/B - Any A/B team may roster UP TO three players playing in a division above them (this includes goalies)
  4. AA - Any AA team may roster UP TO three PRO players (not counting goalies)
  5. Pro - No restrictions on allowed players

Players currently playing in ECHL, AHL, NHL or with active contracts in any of these leagues will not be allowed in A/B or in CLUB

In addition any players playing for Team USA (USARS), or anyone playing in PAMA Pro division in the last 5 years will not be allowed in A/B or in Club

Our Pro/AA are divisions that are growing and becoming more skilled every year. We will continue to evaluate this policy as the competition gets better year after year.

Wish Cup Ice - Rule Set

All teams should be prepared to play the morning of their block dates

Only rostered members are allowed on the bench. 

All teams are allowed to have three players "playing down"

Example - C team can only roster 1 A/B player

Age determinations will be based on 2024-2025 USA Hockey Age Groups

Adult Tournament Format

Every Team is guaranteed three RR games

Maximum of 16 skaters per team (including goalie)

3 (12-min) periods - Stopped time

3-minute warm ups

3 round robin divisional games

Each team is permitted 1 timeout per game

Red line icing, "tag up" offside

Icing is legal when on Penalty Kill

Goalies will switch ends after each period

2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie

If the Championship game results in a tie, there will be a three-minute (3-on-3) overtime. If the game is still tied, a 3 player shootout will commence

If a round robin/consolation game results in a tie, the game will go directly to a 3 player shootout

Maximum of six-goal differential for divisional round robin. All games will go to run time once six-goal differential is reached

Tie breaker after divisional round robin (head to head, goal differential, fewest goals allowed, fewest penalties)

3 penalties in a single game will be cause for removal from that game

If a team deliberately forfeits their last RR game they will be ineligible for playoffs


Mite (8U) Tournament Format

Every Team is guaranteed four RR games

2 (12-min) periods - running time (Half Ice)

Change on the horn every 2 minutes

1-minute warm ups, 1 minute intermission

No timeouts for Mite 8U Division

Goalies will switch ends after each period

If a goalie freezes the puck or makes a save, attacking team is to retreat to half-ice to allow space for gameplay.

After a goal scoring team should retreat to half-ice to allow space for gameplay.

Penalties will result in player sitting out remainder of shift.

Female players may play down 1 year

2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie

If the Championship game results in a tie, there will be a three-minute (3-on-3) overtime. If the game is still tied, a shootout will commence

Tie breaker after divisional round robin (head to head, goal differential, fewest goals allowed, fewest penalties)


Match Penalty: We have a zero tolerance policy on the use of any racial slurs, fighting or abuse of officials/directors.

Players will be issued a match penalty, and will have a hearing with the tournament directors.


 Squirt (10U/12U Tournament Format

Every Team is guaranteed three RR games

3 (12-min) periods - Stopped time

3-minute warm ups, 1 minute intermission

Each team permitted 1 Timeout

Penalties are 1:30 in length

Icing the puck is allowed on the penalty kill

Female players may play down 1 year

2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie

If the Championship game results in a tie, there will be a three-minute (3-on-3) overtime. If the game is still tied, a 3 player shootout will commence

Tie breaker after divisional round robin (head to head, goal differential, fewest goals allowed, fewest penalties)


Match Penalty: We have a zero tolerance policy on the use of any racial slurs, fighting or abuse of officials/directors.

Players will be issued a match penalty, and will have a hearing with the tournament directors.

**The Wish Cup, LLC reserves the right to refuse entry.**