Info & Register

Rink Wars 2026 – Tournament Rules & Divisions

📅 Dates: 23–26 October 2026
📍 Location: East End Skating Rink, New Plymouth
🎟 Team Limit: 6 teams per grade

Game Format

• All games will be played in two 15-minute halves using a running clock. No Timeouts. No Overtime.
• Each division will play a round-robin format.
• The top 4 teams from each division will move on to semi-finals:
• 1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd. Tied semi-finals will be determined by a 5-minute, 3 on 3 OT followed by a 3-person shootout.
• Winners advance to the Final. Final will be 15-minute stop-clock and will be determined by a 5-minute, 3 on 3 OT followed by a 3-person shootout
• Tiebreakers will be determined by goal differential > goal quotient > penalty minutes

Rules & Conduct

• Games will follow the World Skate rulebook, with select KIHL-specific modifications.
• All referees will be provided by KIHL.
• A Code of Conduct will be in place for all players, coaches, and spectators (to be published prior to the event).
• All players must wear matching jerseys with unique numbers.
• Players must sign a waiver before participating.

Team Composition & Eligibility

• Maximum of 10 skaters + 1 goalie per team.
• Players may play in more than one grade, but with restrictions:
• No more than 2 Pro players are allowed in a Division 1 or 21 & Under team.
• No more than 2 Division 1 players are allowed in a Division 2 team. Division 2 teams may also have 1 player born in either 2009 or 2010.
• 21 & Under division is open to players born 2004–2011. *Overage goalies may be permitted by exception.

Division Overview

• Open to elite-level teams and players.
• Registration is open, but teams will be selected by KIHL management.
• $2,000 prize for the top team.

• Ideal for Senior A-level players.
• Teams self-select this grade based on skill and experience.

• Designed for Senior B, Masters, Veterans, and less experienced players.
• All Division 2 teams may have 1 player who is 15 or 16 years old (2010 - 2011 birth year) and has not been drafted to KIHL Senior Division 1
• Focused on fun and development.

• Open to players born 2003–2010.
• Competitive grade for developing junior players.
• Limited allowance for overage goalies.

Registration Details

• Fee: $720 per team
• Deposit: $360 (non-refundable) to confirm your place
• Registration Deadline: 31 July 2026
• Register via: KIHL website
• Full team fee due 31 July 2026
• Player waivers are required during player registration.

*All grades are subject to viability. KIHL managements reserves the right to cancel divisions if minimum participation is not met. If minimum participation is not met, all paid fees will be refunded lees non-recoverable costs.

Kind regards,
KIHL Management