Tournament Format
Group Matches:
The twelve teams taking part are divided into two groups. After the initial group round-robin matches the four best teams in each group proceed to the tournament play-off. Teams finishing fifth and sixth in each group will play-off for the minor places.
The group standings will be determined by the following (in order of precedence):
1. Most Points Gained
2. Best Goal Differential (Goals Scored minus Goals Conceded)
3. Most Goals Scored
4. Result of Head to Head Match
5. Toss of a Coin
Two points will be awarded for a win and one for a draw.
Play-off Series:
Eight teams will continue to the quarterfinals; four teams from group A and four teams from group B. From each group, the first place team plays the fourth place team from the other group and the second place team from each group will play against the third place team from other group.
Play-off Draws:
In the event of a draw, the winner will be decided by who makes the most shots out of a series of three penalty shots. Penalties are taken alternately by the teams. If there is no winner after three penalty shots the teams will continue to take penalties shots one at a time until one team has scored more than the other from the same number of attempts.
For the first three penalties each penalty is taken by a different player. After this the teams can choose any player.
Final:
In the event of a tie in the Championship game the teams will then play an additional overtime period of not more than ten (10) minutes with the team scoring first declared the winner. If the game still remains tied at the end of the ten (10) minute overtime period, the teams will proceed to a penalty shootout. The penalty shoot-out follows the same procedure as described for play-off draws above.
Checking: Checking is allowed.
Penalty Length: The minor penalty time length is one minute.
Match length: The games have two 15 minute periods.
Timeouts: Timeouts are 30 seconds long. Each team is allowed only one timeout per game.
Officiating: There are two referees for each game.
Tournament Rules
Lions Cup follows the recommendations and guidelines of the Swedish Hockey Association. Protests shall be made immediately after the game to the speaker booth staff. The cost for the protest, 1 000 SKR, will be refunded if the protest is upheld. Interpretations of the rules are made by the Tournament Committee in consultation with referees of the game.
Fair Play
A necessity for a successful and enjoyable Lions Cup 2009 is that everyone together creates a pleasant and sporting atmosphere. This is achieved by everyone (players, coaches and spectators alike) conducting themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times regardless of team affiliation.
Let “Fair-Play” be your motto.
Show respect for the opponent at all times.
Show respect for the officials.
Know, understand, and appreciate the rules of the tournament.
Play by the rules.
Always be a good sport.
Recognize and appreciate skill in performance, regardless of affiliation.
Johan Winbergh