Twig Fest Tournament Rules & Format:

Squirt (10U) & Peewee (12U)

Welcome to Twig Fest! This event is designed to be a fun, fast-paced festival-style hockey experience where players get lots of puck touches, plenty of ice time, and the opportunity to play with new teammates. Our goal is simple: play hard, have fun, and enjoy the game.

Saturday Kickoff – Twig Fest

Doors open at 8:00 AM on Saturday. All teams should check in upon arrival to pick up their jerseys and tournament bags. Players and families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy our cereal bar and Saturday morning cartoons before the start of games! Each player will receive (2) tickets for a free bowl at the cereal bar—fuel up before you hit the ice!

🏒 Spring Into Squirts (Optional Ice Session)

Players born in 2017 (upcoming Squirt level) are invited to participate in our:

“Spring Into Squirts” session
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM (Saturday)

This session will be led by experienced Aces coaches Nick and Tim and is designed to:

* Introduce full-ice concepts
* Build confidence ahead of tournament play
* Provide a fun and supportive learning environment

⏱️ Game Start Time

All tournament games will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday.

👉 Please note: Teams should arrive 40 minutes prior to their scheduled game time

Games may begin early if the schedule is running ahead

📅 Full Schedule

The complete tournament schedule can be found here: Twig Fest 2026

GAME FORMAT

5v5 (4 skaters + 1 goalie)
3 x 13-minute periods (running clock)
1-minute intermissions
3-minute warm-up
Round Robin (No OT)

CONTACT
NO body checking (all divisions)
Legal play includes: Angling, Body positioning, Stick-on-puck defense

Illegal contact (checking, boarding, etc.) will be penalized

OFFSIDES & ICING

Touch-up (tag-up) offsides
Icing is enforced (standard USA Hockey rules) 

PENALTIES

Minor: 60 seconds (running clock)
Major: 90 seconds (running clock)
Misconduct = possible ejection

SCORING (ROUND ROBIN)

Win = 2 pts
Tie = 1 pt
Loss = 0 pts

Shut-out Win = 3 pts

Tie-Breakers:

1. Head-to-head
2. Goal differential
3. Goals against
4. Goals for
5. Coin flip

CHAMPIONSHIP

No ties. If a game ends in a tie, it will immediately go to a 3-player shootout.

⚠️ SPORTSMANSHIP

Respect the game. Respect officials. Respect each other.
Coaches are responsible for team conduct.

 TWIG FEST

Play fast. Play smart. Have fun.
Keep your head up and your stick down.