Rules & Regulations
XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026 – Asia Elite Series
COMPETITION REGULATIONS (RULES & REGULATIONS)
Competition Dates: 18–20 July 2026
Venue: Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena (TIIHA)
Address: 468 Rama 9 Soi 19, Bangkapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
- Team Rosters
Each team may make changes to its roster up to 12:00 PM (Bangkok Time) on 1st July 2026.
No changes will be accepted after the deadline unless authorized by the Tournament Director. - Game Format
All divisions will play 3 x 20-minute periods (running time) with a 3-minute warm-up.
NOTE: No players are allowed on the ice during ice resurfacing. - The competition will be conducted using a points-based system as follows:
a. 2 points for a regulation win
b. 1 point for a tie
c. 0 points for a regulation loss
Note: Final standings will be determined immediately after the completion of all matches, based on the total points accumulated. - In the event that two or more teams have an equal number of points, rankings will be determined by applying the following tie-breaking criteria, in order:
A. Most Regulation Wins
B. Head-to-Head
C. Highest Goal Difference
D. Least Goals Against
E. Goals For - Stop Time (Last 2 Minutes)
If the game is tied, or there is a two-goal (2) or less difference in the last two minutes of a game, the last two minutes will be stopping time. Situations in the last 2 minutes of the third period – - Game Clock Control
ONLY the Referees or the Organizer are allowed to stop the game clock. - Timeout
Each team is allowed one (1) 30-second timeout per game and it can be taken at any time - Non-Contact
All games are NON-CONTACT. Minor or Major penalties will be called for body checking. - Waiver
All players are required to have their parent(s) or guardian sign a waiver prior to playing.
Additional Notes
• Team standings based on: most points, most wins, head-to-head, higher goal difference, least goals against , goals for.
• Teams should have both a dark and a light set of jerseys and socks.
• Home team wears dark / Away team wears light.
• Additional rules will be announced prior to the start of the tournament.
PLAYING RULES - Governing Rulebook
Any playing rules not covered in these Rules and Regulations will follow the 2022–2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rulebook - Penalties
a. Minor: 2 minutes. Misconduct: 10 minutes. Major: 5 minutes plus a game misconduct.
b. All penalties will be stop time.
c. Teams will play 5-on-5 when there are coincidental penalties.
d. If a player is assessed 4 penalties in a game, the player will automatically receive a game ejection. The player may play in their team’s next game. - Required Equipment
All players MUST wear a neck guard and have a full cage or full-face shield. Any players without this equipment will not be allowed to play.
Exception: In the U20 division, athletes over 18 years old are permitted to wear a half visor.
Mouth guards are not mandatory but highly recommended. - Abuse of Officials (Misconduct)
Any player, coach, or team official who receives a 10-minute misconduct for Abuse of Officials in the final 5 minutes of the 3rd period, overtime, shootout, or after the game will be suspended
for their next game, upon review of the Referee Supervisor. - Major Penalties
Any major penalties may result in the player receiving an automatic game suspension for their next game, upon review of the Referee Supervisor. - Fighting
Fighting is an automatic ejection from the tournament. The Referees and Referee Supervisor will determine what constitutes fighting. - Match Penalties
All match penalties will be reviewed and further suspensions will be handed out by the Referee Supervisor and the Tournament Director. - Hybrid Icing
The team that ices the puck is not allowed to change players.
TEAM RULES - Readiness
Teams are required to be ready to play at least 10 minutes prior to their scheduled game. - Bench Access
A maximum of 3 registered coaches from each team are allowed on the players’ bench.
Coaches who are on the bench for the purpose of photo or video taking will be removed.
Players who are not dressed for the scheduled game are not allowed on the benches. - Attendance / Forfeit
All scheduled games must be played. If a team does not show up, or does not use its best efforts to win a game, the team will forfeit the game. The Referee Supervisor and/or the Organizers
reserve the right to disqualify the team from further games. - Refusal to Play / Leaving Early
Any team that refuses to start play or leaves the ice surface without completion of the game for any reason will be disqualified from the tournament. The team will also not be invited to any
future tournaments until further notice. - Media on Benches
No photographers or video crew are allowed on the benches unless appointed by the Organizer.
PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT - Abuse / Racial Slurs
Any physical or verbal abuse, or any racial slurs, both on and off the ice, will result in a lifetime ban from the tournament. - Intimidation / Threats
Anyone found intimidating, threatening, or disturbing other players, parents, team officials, or anyone else associated with the tournament will be asked to leave the rink area or mall, and the
authorities may be called. - Property Damage
Anyone who negligently damages any property while at the rink will be held responsible.
Example: If a player slams his/her stick on the glass and breaks it, they will be held responsible. - No Smoking
NO SMOKING in all areas inside the rink and mall areas. Rink staff and organizers will call the authorities if this is not followed. - Communication with Tournament Director
Only coaches or the team manager can discuss matters with the Tournament Director. - Schedule Changes
The Organizers reserve the right to reschedule any games if needed. - Final Decision
Any other clarifications or disputes will be handled by the Tournament Director. The Tournament Director will have final say in all matters.