I have never played orgainized ball hockey before...is that an issue?
No. As long as you're out to compete, have fun, and will make an effort to be at the majority of your team's games, we welcome all skill levels.
Where do my fees go?
The majority will go into the rental of facilities and referees. On top of that, they will also cover league jersey replacements (winning team gets to keep their jersey) trophy and awards, as well as the league website.
Why a draft? I'd rather just enter my own team.
The intention of the draft is two-fold. First, to hopefully create a balanced league. The reason we ask you to give us an honest assessment of your skills is for no other reason than the draft and trying to make teams that are as even as possible. That information is considered confidential and will only be revealed to the necessary people. Secondly, while you may end up on the same team as your friends, you may not. What, in the world of sports, is more satisfying than kicking your best buddies butt?
How come only 84 players?
We started out with 8 teams (56 players) for the first tournament, but through experience with our men's league, know that 12 or 16-team tourney's offer the best experience. Being able to play two games simultaneously, while also being able to build in decent break times between games allows everyone to enjoy the entire day. Also, the number are set because in a draft-style tournament it is absolutely necessary to fill out teams completely, and keep the schedule balanced.
What are the facilities like?
The tournament will be hosted at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park. We feel it is the perfect place to host our tournaments. We have run our Mens tournament out of five different facilities over the last 9 years and have found this facility to be far and away the most well received. In fact, our Mens tournament will be heading back to Millennium for the third consective time this May.
VANDALISM, MISTREATMENT OF FACILITY or THEFT will NOT BE TOLERATED and offending player could face suspension from the league.
What do I need for equipment?
Every player must wear a helmet and hockey gloves. We suggest using shin pads and an athletic cup as well.
What equipment does the league use?
We will be using the orange d-gel balls (hard) as well as 4'x6' nets.
What are the rules, how will penalties be enforced?
For more detailed description, please see our RULES page.
But, in a nutshell, we have adopted modified PLAY-ON rules.
Infractions (crosscheck, slashing, hooking, highsticking, tripping) will be graded based on whether the were done with the "blatent intent to injure" or took away a scoring chance. In those two incidents a penalty shot will be awarded. If the infraction was incidental, then a change of possession will occur.
Fighting, as well as "intent to injure" penalties will NOT BE TOLERATED.
The game will consist of two 15-minute run-time halves. During round-robin play, if the score is tied after regulation it will continue into a 6-player shootout, followed by single-round sudden death shootout if necessary. During the playoffs, ties will result in sudden death until completion. A regulation win is worth 3-points, a shootout win worth 2-points, a shootout loss worth 1-point.
Faceoffs will start each period. After goals, offensive teams will have 10-seconds of grace after which the defending team is free to attack. Once a player or the ball crosses half, again the defending team is free to attack. The offensive team can not score after a goal unless the ball has been touched by their team on the defending side of half. Once the ball has been touched by the offensive team on the defensive side of half teams can score from anywhere.
We will employ the three-second rule and giving of space after a goalie has covered the ball.
What happens if our goaltender gets injured?
The team will be forced to dress one of the remaining 6 players as the goalie. It's not the end of the world. Finland did it in the men's play, four minutes into the LEGACY CUP FINAL of TOURNAMENT II and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win the championship.
How will jersey numbers be decided?
Due to time constraints we have opted to pre-choose numbers.
How will the award winners be decided?
The refs and timekeepers will decide on the tournament MVP, top goaltender and a player who displays the highest degree of heart & hustle.
If you have questions that have not been answered please email the league (oshl@hotmail.ca).
