2025-2026 Tournaments

2025-26 Cardinal Classic Tournaments

Tournament Registration Fee: $1500 - 4 Game Guarantee & No Gate Fees

All Tournament Registrations are completed and paid online

The number of teams participating in the tournament will determine how early we have to start on Friday and how late we need to go into Sunday in order to get in the 4 games. Games typically start around 12:00 PM on Friday, and are done by 3:00 on Sunday. 

2025 - 2026 Refund Policy

Willmar Hockey Association understands there are times that require a team to submit a cancellation after payment has been received to secure your spot in the tournament. Reimbursement guidelines are as follows:

50% reimbursement if tournament is "Full" for registration. 

0% reimbursed if tournament is "Full" and the cancelation request is within 6 weeks of the start of the tournament.

Willmar Area Hotel Information

Discounted tournament hotel rates have been negotiated.

Please contact Julia Orth at (320) 444-9488 to book your team's room block at:

Hampton Inn (Spicer)

Holiday Inn (Willmar)

Best Western Plus (Willmar)

Country Inn & Suites (Willmar)

For AmericInn (Willmar), call 320-212-6189

For GrandStay (New London), call Kristine 320-347-1500

For SureStay Hotel By Best Western (Spicer) call Lillian at 320-796-2300

1) General Information  

a) USA Hockey rules governing game play will be observed.  

b) All referees will be registered with USA Hockey.  

c) Scheduling of referees will be done in accordance to MN HOCKEY District 5 requirements.  

d) Medical attendants will be provided for each game.  

e) All participating players must wear required equipment, per the USA Hockey rulebook and MN Hockey Handbook, including helmet ear flaps, mouthguards, and neck laceration protection.  

f) Rosters will be checked against your official USA HOCKEY ROSTER. Twenty dressed players will be allowed on the bench for games.  

g) Only 4 coaches, listed on the official USA HOCKEY ROSTER will be allowed on the bench for games.  

h) The ice will be resurfaced every 2 periods for Bantam/14U games. PeeWee/12U and Squirt/10U will resurface after every game.  

i) There will be at least 2 hours between scheduled team play on the same day, and at least 10 hours between games played on consecutive days.  

j) Each team must provide their own insurance. The Willmar Hockey Association or personnel connected with the tournament shall not be liable for any injuries sustained during the tournament.  

2) Game Format  

a) Warm up  

i) 5 minute warm-up prior to the start of the game.  

b) Stop Time  

i) 15 minute stop time for PeeWee, 12U, Bantams and 14U for all three periods  

ii) 12 minute stop time for Squirt & 10U for all three periods  

iii) Time will stop for injuries and/or penalties  

c) Running Time  

i) Running time after a 6 goal lead or more is maintained. If the score difference drops below 4, then stop time will commence.  

d) Penalties  

i) Penalties will be consistent with USA Hockey.  

3) Tiebreakers  

a) Bracket Play (Playoffs) – There will not be ties in bracket play & no over-time.  

i) If the game is tied after regular play, teams will use a shoot-out procedure.  

ii) Each team will select 5 players to shoot.  

iii) Home team will have the choice to shoot first or second. 

iv) Teams will alternate players until all 10 initial players have taken a penalty shot.  

v) If, after all 5 players from both teams have completed this procedure, the tie still has not been broken, the shoot-out will go to a “sudden death” format.  

(1) Each team will have an equal number of chances, alternating shooters. Players will not be allowed to be reused until all the players from the team have been used.  

b) Pool Play (Preliminary) – Round robin upper pool games can end in a tie. There will be no “sudden death” overtime in round robin pool play. The method for determining the final standings will be as follows:  

(1) Two (2) points will be awarded for a win.  

(2) One (1) point will be awarded for a tie.  

(3) Zero (0) points will be awarded for a loss.  

ii) If there are two or more teams tied at the end of the pool play, the method for determining the places are as such.  

(1) Head-to-Head  

(2) Goals against  

(3) Goals for  

iii) Medal Play (Championship) Tiebreakers – Games that determine tournament placement and are tied at the end of regulation will not change goals and continue to a 5 minute, running time “sudden death” overtime. If the game is still tied at the conclusion of overtime, a 5 player shoot-out will occur.  

(1) Each team will select 5 players to shoot.  

(2) Home team on the scoresheet will have the choice to shoot first or second. 

(3) Teams will alternate players until all 10 initial players have taken a penalty shot or until a lead has been gained that is larger than the remaining initial 10 players.  

(4) If, after all 5 players from both teams have completed this procedure and the tie still has not been broken, the shoot-out will go to a “sudden death” format.  

(5) Each team will have an equal number of chances, alternating shooters. Players will not be allowed to be reused until all the players from the team have been used.  

4) General Rules  

a) Any player penalized for fighting will be disqualified from the tournament. Written notification will be sent to the District 5 Director and Referee-in-Chief, and passed along to the players governing USA Hockey or Hockey Canada jurisdiction. 

b) Abusive language or unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated from players, team officials, or fans. The tournament committee will ask anyone involved in this behavior to leave the arena property immediately.  

5) Miscellaneous Rules  

a) Willmar Hockey Association Refund Policy  

Willmar Hockey Association understands there are times that require a team to submit a cancellation after payment has been received to secure your spot in the tournament. Reimbursement guidelines are as follows: 

• 50% reimbursement if the tournament is "Full" for registration.  
• 0% reimbursed if the tournament is "Full" and the cancellation request is within 6 weeks of the start of the tournament, unless a replacement team is found. 

b) All decisions of the referees will be final. No protests allowed.  

c) Home team will wear white/light and visitors will wear dark.  

d) Teams must register with tournament officials one (1) hour prior to their first scheduled tournament game.  

e) Music played in the locker rooms before, during, or after games is allowed as long as it is respectful, no foul language, and cannot be heard outside of the locker room when the door is closed.