Game Format
- Tier 1: 3 × 17-minute periods. One ice make after the 2nd period.
- Tier 2: 3 × 15-minute periods. No ice make. 2-man officiating crew.
Running Clock
If there is a spread of 6 or more goals at the start of, or at any time during, the 3rd period, running time starts and continues for the rest of the game or until the spread drops below 6 goals.
Home Team & Jerseys
- The higher-seeded team wears its home light jerseys; the visiting team wears dark.
- Home teams run scorekeeping and the clock.
- Each team staffs its own penalty box.
Tournament Dates
- Tier 1: Regular season ends October 25, 2026; Tournament begins October 26, 2026; Championship games October 31, 2026 (tentative)
- Tier 2: Regular season ends October 29, 2026; Tournament begins October 30, 2026 (tentative); Championship games November 7–8, 2026 (tentative)
- CPHL Ladies: Regular season ends February 17, 2027; Tournament begins February 19, 2027 (tentative); Championship games February 21, 2027 (tentative)
Full schedule: 2026 Season Calendar.
Regular-Season Standings
Points
- Win: 2 points
- Tie or overtime loss: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Tiebreakers (in order)
- Standings (most points)
- Most wins in conference
- Head to head
- Fewest goals against in conference
- Periods won in conference
Overtime
| Round | Overtime |
|---|---|
| First round | 5-minute stop-time 3-on-3, defending 2nd-period nets, then a 3-player shootout (different shooters each round). |
| Semifinals & finals | 7-minute 3-on-3 defending 2nd-period nets, then 7-minute 3-on-3 defending 1st-period nets. |