National Sports Center | Blaine, Minnesota

• Three game guarantee
• Championship trophies
• All games at Super Rink
• Games start Friday at 3 pm last game starts Sunday at 5 pm. 
• Off-ice activities including but not limited to:
  • Walleye Chop Raffle
  • Silent Auction
  • Special golf rates at Victory Links for participants
  • Minnow Races
  • Meal provided Saturday to all participants
  • King of the Blacktop Tailgate Contest

• A Division: very competitive, former junior, college or pro
• B Division: fast and exciting division for players with advanced skills, just a bit older now, former high school, junior or college
• C Division: fun and challenging, now older and just like to play, former high school or junior
• D Division: fun division for teams with a little less experience
• Novice: fun division for beginners with little hockey experience
• 40+ Division: players age 40+ exception goaltenders maybe 35 or older
• 50+ Division: players age 50+ exception goaltenders maybe 45 or older
• 60+ Division: players age 60+ exception goaltenders maybe 55 or older
• Women's A: very competitive, high-level players
• Women’s B: high school varsity, junior varsity, and college club experience
• Women’s C: fun division for teams with novice skill abilities
• ALL players must be 18 or older to play
• Please have your players fill out their tournament waivers promptly. There is a ranking system attached to the waivers that will allow your team to be matched with those at a similar competitive level. 

What customers are saying about the Walleye Chop Tournament

“This past weekend, myself and a few other Canadians made our way to Blaine for the Walleye Chop – it was far and away the most well organized and enjoyable tournament I have been a part of. I certainly hope this tourney continues as an annual event – we will definitely make our way back for years to come.”

• Lee Bryar, London, Ontario

“Thanks for putting on a great tournament, and we plan to be back next year. The refs were adequate and facilities were in great condition.”

• Bill Amberg, St. Paul, MN

“Thanks for the wonderful weekend. We had a blast and met a lot of really nice people. That staff at the rink were so friendly. Job well done and count us in for next year, plus a few more teams from across the border.”

• Mike Duranceau, Thunder Bay, Ontario

“I want to thank you and your crew for putting on such a great tournament! I can’t even begin to explain how impressed I am with it! I had so much fun that I have already marked it on my calendar for next year!”

• Ben Hendrickson, Westminster, CO

$725 per team due at time of registration 

No refunds if the team drops 45 days prior to the start of the event. 

Event Cancellation Policy: The following policy will be enacted IF an event hosted by the National Sports Center MUST be canceled by the directives of the State of Minnesota or the Minnesota Department of Health. Please know that our top priority on making decisions moving forward will be the safety and health of our players, coaches, referees, employees, and fans.  The Team registration refunds will be processed at 100% of the registration total. Refunds will be credited to your account no later than December 31, 2021. 

Looking for a team? If you are an individual who is looking for a team.
We are excited to offer you a new player pool experience at NSC Event HQ! 
As a new user you will need to set up an NSC Event HQ account (must be 18 or older.) Only need one account per household.

Click HERE  to log into an already existing account 

or Click HERE to create an NSC Event HQ account

• Once you create your account and verify your email, you will need to verify your email to set up a password.
• Then you can add "participants" to your account  for which you can complete waivers, sign up for programs and register for the player pool
• You only need to set up a household account once, Future events are smooth and easy. You simply click, add, and you’re done!

• Interested coaches will contact you directly by email.
• If you are picked up by a team:
  • Remove your name from the player pool for this event by logging in to your NSC Event HQ, find your event pool, and select “Leave Pool”

Game Format

• Four minute warm up.
• Clock starts when Resurfacer doors close. BE READY!
• Three 17-minute running time periods.
• Stop time will be used during the last two minutes of third period if game is within 3 goals.
• Off sides: all players must tag up before entering zone to play the puck.
• Red line icing
• Penalties—go to penalty box and time will start at the drop of puck. Time will run during stoppage of play.
• Three-penalty rule—any player receiving three penalties in one game will be asked to leave for the balance of the game.
• No time-outs during game

Tournament Format

• Divisions that have four teams will follow round robin format.
• Divisions with six or eight teams will follow pool play format.

Pool Play Format

• Pool A and Pool B. Teams will play everyone in their pool.
• Division with 8 Teams
• The team with most points in their pool will play opposite pool for Championship
• Division with 6 Teams
• The team with most points in their pool will advance to semi finals
  • Two points for a win
  • One point for tie
• Tie in pool play—the following will determine winner:
  • Head-to-head result
  • Fewest goals allowed
  • Most goals scored
  • First team to register
  • The team that drinks the most beer

Shootout

• If in bracket play a game is tied a 3 Player shoot-out will decide the outcome.
• If still tied, each team alternates with one shooter until an advantage is held. No player may shoot a second time until all players have shot once.

Tournament Rules

• No Double rostering within Category
  • Players may only skate on one age level, women's, and letter team.
  • Exception Goalies
• No checking—All levels
  • Minor penalty assessed for checking infractions.
  • Coincidental penalties—team skate full strength.
• Slap Shots
  • Slap shots will be allowed for this tournament.
  • Be smart
• Fighting
  • 5-minute major, game ejection, plus one game suspension. No exceptions!
  • Instigator. A two-minute penalty may be assessed to a player who “started” the fight.

Referees

• Two officials will be scheduled for all games.
• Players are not allowed to confront the officials.
• Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated!

April 8 or until brackets fill

 

The NSC Fund For Play is the contribution and donation arm of the National Sports Center Foundation. We are dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesota residents by creating programs and initiatives that support a diverse and engaged community. If you would like to make a donation to improve the health, well-being, and outlook of participants through access to sports and healthy, safe environments, please click HERE.

Thank you for considering!

Please click HERE for the most up-to-date COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.