U7 Thundersnow Rules

2024 Collingwood Thundersnow Classic Tournament Rules Of U7 Game Play

CROSS-ICE GAME PLAY RULES:

• Hockey Canada Playing Rules are followed except as stated below.
• 4-on-4 (plus a player defending the goal) - a player may play goal, but full goaltender equipment is not required.
• Game format: two periods with a run-time clock, not to exceed 60 minutes.
• Timed buzzer or whistle for line changes:
  • If there are fewer than four players on the bench, the active player designated to stay out for the following shift must return to the bench area prior to continuing play.
  • On the buzzer/whistle, players must relinquish control of the puck immediately and vacate the ice. The new players enter the immediately. Failure to immediately relinquish control of the puck or new players entering the ice surface prematurely may result in a penalty (see Penalties).
  • Game does not stop; players change on the fly at buzzer/whistle.
• Shift length will not exceed two minutes.
• Incidental contact may happen, but body-checking is not permitted.
• No icing or offside.
• Face-offs to start each half
• Change of possession:
  • Continuous play - when whistles lead to a change in puck possession, the official (or coach) will signal the attacking players to back off three metres. Once the attackers have moved back, play may resume as soon as the possession team has control of the puck.
• Goaltender freezes the puck - the official (or coach) blows the whistle to indicate the attacking team backs off three metres and defending team gets possession.
• Puck shot out of play - the offending team backs off three metres and the official (or coach) gives the non-offending team a new puck.
• Net size - 2x3, 3x4, 4x6. (ALL ARE ACCEPTABLE)

PENALTIES:

• Minor penalties are noted, with the official (or coach) briefly raising their arm to indicate a penalty will be assessed. At the conclusion of the shift, the official (or coach) notifies the team of the infraction and the number of the offending player.
• If the offending team controls the puck, the official (or coach) blows the whistle and calls for a change of possession: the non-offending team is given a three metre cushion.
• The offending player will sit out next shift, but the team will play even strength.

Should the infraction occur, that would normally require a player to be ejected from the game (game misconduct, match penalty, gross misconduct), the player will be removed for the remainder of that game. Even under these circumstances, teams, will not play shorthanded and no game incident report will be required.