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.
• Saturday fish fry from 1–5 p.m. Players will receive complimentary beer and fish, family members welcome for an additional $5
• Walleye Chop Raffle
• Silent Auction
• Special golf rates at Victory Links for participants

• 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 may be 35 or older
• 50+ Division: players age 50+ exception goaltenders may be 45 or older
• 60+ Division: players age 60+ exception goaltenders may be 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. Their 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

Team fee information will be available soon. Please check back.

No refunds will be given if team drops after Application Deadline

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 1, 2020 or until brackets fill