2027 GUARDIANS CUP REGISTRATION
Information & Rules

The 4th Annual Guardians Cup takes place March 5-7, 2027, at the Tim Hortons Iceplex in Rochester, New York. The tournament brings together first responders, military members, and veterans for three days of hockey, camaraderie, and community in support of first responder and military mental health.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration Opens: October 19, 2026 at 12 PM ET.
(Subject to Change)

Tournament Dates: March 5-7, 2027

Location: Tim Hortons Iceplex | Rochester, NY

Team Registration: $1,500. This year, teams will have opportunities to earn additional benefits called "Player Packs". More information will be provided at registration on what these packs will entail.

Team Deposit: A non-refundable $250 deposit is required at registration to reserve your team's spot. The remaining balance of $1,250 must be paid by February 12th, 2027 at 5 PM.

Registration: Team registration will be completed through RunSignUp. Following team registration, all rostered players will be required to individually complete the Guardians Cup Player Waiver through RunSignUp prior to participating in the tournament.

Divisions: Competitive | Rec C- Upper & Lower | Rec D | Warrior Division- Upper & Lower.
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Eligibility: Players must be active or retired first responder, active-duty military members, or veteran and must provide valid identification/credentials. Each team may roster ONE civilian player.

GUARDIANS CUP RULES & REGULATIONS

 GENERAL INFORMATION 
  • All games will be played in accordance with USA Hockey rules.
  • The home team will wear white/light jerseys and visitors wear dark. All jerseys must have a number to identify the player on the roster.
  • Teams / Officials must be ready to start games up to 15 minutes early.
  • ID Checks will be performed at registration and throughout the tournament. Please keep a valid form of identification with you at all times to confirm your designated occupation. 
  • Violations: Any team found rostered with a non-approved player will automatically disqualify a team from the tournament.
  • One civilian allowed per team, name has to be submitted before first game.
  • Verification: All teams will be checked by a Guardians Cup Staff Member before playoff and championship games to ensure compliance.
  • Guaranteed 3 games with playoffs for the top 4 qualified teams of each division on Sunday.

​OFFICIALS
  • A zero-tolerance for verbal abuse is in effect and will be enforced for all team officials, players, and spectators. 
  • 2-person officiating system

TOURNAMENT RULES
  1. No body checking will be permitted.
  2. NO TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL has the right to change a score sheet or reverse a call from a referee. Once the game is over the score sheet is FINAL.
  3. Please refer to the USA Hockey playing rule book for all rules for 2025-2029.
  4. Players will be allowed to ice the puck during a penalty kill.
  5. Delayed offside’s will be in effect for the tournament. Please refer to USAH Rules 624 (b1) and 630 (d) for clarification.
  6. Minor penalties - 1:30 minutes 
  7. Major penalties - 4:00 minutes 
  8. Misconduct penalties - 8:00 minutes 
  9. Third Game Misconduct will count as 14 penalty minutes, 36 minutes for a DQ.
  10. Game misconduct - Player will be ejected for the remainder of that game (suspensions are subject to tournament director and staff discretion)
  11. 60 minute curfew clock will start at the scheduled game time start.
  12. Running time will be in effect during the 3rd period, only when a team is winning by 6 goals. Stop-time will resume once the score is within 2 goals.
  13. Teams are permitted one 60-second timeout per game, including any overtime periods.
  14. Players and coaches should report to the arena at least one hour prior to each game.
  15. A maximum of four team officials may be on the player's bench at one time.
  16. Team personnel are any non-playing persons not in uniform on the players’ bench. A player or goalkeeper on the roster who is unable to play, other than through suspension, may be on the players’ bench without being considered a team personnel if he is wearing the team jersey and all required head and face protective equipment.

SCORING
  1. All divisions will be scored; 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for a shootout win, 1 point for a shootout loss, and 0 points for a regulation loss.
  2. For tiebreaker purposes, shootout goals for and shootout goals against will not count.
  3. Any forfeited games will be recorded as a 1-0 score and result in 3 points for the team affected by the forfeiture. Any forfeited games affecting another team's playoff status, may be reviewed by the Tournament Director to determine which teams advance beyond preliminary round play.
  4. Use of non-approved players will disqualify a team from the tournament.
  5. All games played by a disqualified team will be forfeited. No money will be refunded.

TIEBREAKERS
To determine teams advancing to the semi and final rounds. If more than 2 teams are tied, as soon as the tie is broken, the tiebreaker is reapplied to any remaining ties (ex. If three teams are tied, regulation wins are applied. Then, if applicable, revert back to head-to-head for the remaining two teams). For tiebreaker purposes, shootout goals for and shootout goals against will not count.

  • Total Team Points
  • Head-to-Head (two-team tiebreaker only)
  • Fewest Penalty Minutes
  • Regulation Wins
  • Goals Against
  • Goals For
  • Coin Flip

GAME FORMAT
  1. 3-minute warm-up.
  2. 12-12-12 minute periods 
  3. If the game is tied at the end of regulation in round-robin play, a 5-player shootout will take place.

SHOOTOUT FORMAT
The home team will decide who will shoot first. Designated shooters for both teams will alternate shots. If the score remains tied after 5 rounds, new players will participate in a sudden-death shootout. Teams may repeat players only after the first five players have shot. (Think of TJ Oshie in the 2014 Olympics.) Players with time remaining on their penalty are not eligible for the shootout. Goalies are not eligible to shoot.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Please refer to tournament scoreboards or speak to a Tournament Official in order to determine the playoff format for each division. It is incumbent upon the team officials/captains to confirm with a tournament representative whether or not their team has advanced beyond preliminary round play prior to leaving the arena following their final preliminary round game.

​In the event a semi or final game should end in a tie, the tie will be broken in the following manner:

  1. 5-minute sudden-death (3-on-3) stopped time (switch ends).
  2. 5-player shootout. (Same rules apply as in prelim shootout)
  3. Sudden-death shootout (both teams get to shoot each round).​
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