About NST
Thank you for looking at NST for your Tournament needs. We
appreciate your consideration, as I know how difficult it can be
to pick the proper tournament with all the choices out there
today. Gene Carella, NST Co-Tournament Director, has been
presenting tournament opportunities since 1990 for what was
formerly known as Grand Niagara Cataracts Hockey Association. In
1999, he started Niagara Sport Tournaments to help provide youth
hockey to hundreds of teams throughout the U.S. and Canada per
year. Gene also raised four hockey players, and through his
travels to many tournaments, he understands what hockey parents’
want. Gene's son Michael now runs the company but still has the
same goal as his father, which is to make sure that every player
has a great time win or loss. Hockey is a GAME where the end
result should be smiling kids who don't even realize the life
lessons they are learning.
I (Michael) have been to many tournaments in my playing and
coaching days where what was advertised was not what we got. For
example, I remember a tournament where our AA Minor Bantam teams
was playing in the same division as AAA Major Bantams! The
tournament director was nowhere to be found, and the staff that
was there could not help solve this problem. In a different
tournament, the schedule that was sent a week before the
tournament, was changed the DAY before the tournament started,
which completely change our hotel and other plans we had outside
of the tournament. This will not happen at NST. I personally am
present for EVERY game of the tournament so if you need to find me
you can and the schedule is send out 3-4 weeks before the
tournament.
I put all teams through a rigorous screening process to ensure
each team is placed in the proper division. As you may know there
is no exact science to paring teams. Since there are many
different classifications used by amateur hockey teams in
different regions of the United States, and Canada (see Screening
process tab above). Divisions can get messy if careful
consideration is not taken. We at NST, take much time and effort
to create well-balanced divisions. Nothing is more disheartening
then driving to a tournament to blow out a team or get blown out
by a team.
Teams also do not want to travel to a tournament just to be place
in the same side of a division as team from their local leagues.
My father and I take great pride in delivering an enjoyable
tournament experience for our tournament families. This is
evidenced by an incredible return rate in tournament participation
by hockey associations. We only accept between 40-60 teams per
tournament. This wide range in number of teams ensures each
division of each tournament has balanced competition. We will not
force a division together just to fill ice! We believe in quality
over quantity when it comes to our tournaments.
Tournament Rules
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All games will be played under WNY/USA hockey rules. This is a
USA hockey sanctioned tournament. ALL players must be recognized
by USA hockey or C.A.H.A/ OMHA. The use of any illegal or
unauthorized played will result in immediate team expulsion from
the tournament and the loss of all fees paid. Teams must sign in
on team’s sheet before first game.
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There will be three (ten 10) minute periods in mites, three
eleven (11) minute periods in Squirt divisions, three twelve
(12) in Peewee, Bantam and Junior Varsity, and three thirteen
(13) in Midget divisions. No time outs are allowed in regular
division games. A maximum of one minute will be given between
periods in all games. A delay of game penalty will be given if
teams exceed that time. This is to ensure that game times stay
on schedule during the tournament.
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Minor penalties shall be 2 minutes (1.5 minutes for mites and
squirts), major penalties- 5 minutes and misconduct penalties-
10 minutes. All Match Penalties will be handled in accordance
with USA Hockey. Upon receiving a Match Penalty, the PLAYER,
COACH OR MANAGER will be suspended for the duration of the
tournament. A Match Penalty hearing will take place prior to the
end of the tournament. The PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER charged will
be notified of time and place of hearing for which they must be
present. The Coach or Manager must come into the registration
area immediately after the game to be told the time and date of
the hearing. The hearing committee will include the Supervisor
of Officials of the Tournament, the Tournament Chairman and one
other tournament staff member. The Match Penalty committee will
render its decision in writing, with copies sent to USA Hockey,
the Home organization and the PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER who
received the match penalty. The hearing decision will be made
prior to the conclusion of said tournament. It is the coach's
responsibility to have this decision in hand before the
tournament ends.
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Any penalty for fighting or match penalty given will result in
automatic suspension from the tournament.
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Teams must be present and ready to play no later than 1/2 hour
before scheduled game time.
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Before playing first game, all teams must sign in and present
their USA, GTHL or OMHA hockey roster or to tournament registrar
for final approval noting any changes since application time.
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Only players and a maximum of 4 team officials will be permitted
at the player's bench.
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In the event that a team obtains a 5-goal lead during the third
period, stop time will be changed to running time. If the lead
becomes
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THE RULES COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY ANY RULE HEREIN
WHICH IS DEEMED NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE TOURNAMENT OR
AMATEUR HOCKEY. THE DECISION OF THE RULES COMMITTEE IS FINAL.
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Car keys are required for dressing room keys in registration
room. The locker room should be clean upon arrival. Your team is
responsible for picking up after itself after use and reporting
any damage to tournament officials. When room is cleaned by your
team and tournament staff member checks it, and the key
returned, your car keys will be returned. If damage to the
dressing rooms occurs, teams will be responsible for full
payment of damage before leaving the ice facility.
Tournament Format
Four teams in total make up one division. Each team will play
three games. The top two point getting teams will play in the
final.
Five teams in total makeup one division. Each team will play 2
games. The bottom point getting teams (4th and 5th place) will
advance to a quarterfinal game. The top 3 teams will
automatically advance to the semi-finals where 2nd place teams
play the 3rd place team and the 1st place team will play the
winner of the quarter final game. Winners of the semi-finals
advance to the championship game.
Six teams in total makeup 2 divisions A1 and A2. You play each
team in your division in your first two games. Your third game
will be a crossover game with the other division determined by
the amount of points accumulated in first two games. The first
place of one division plays the second place of the other
division. The winner of these two crossover games advance to
championship. The third-place teams in each division play in a
consolation game.
Seven teams in total make up one division. Each team plays 2
games. The first-place team (team with most points) will receive
a buy into the semi-final round. The six remaining teams will
advance to the quarterfinal round where 2nd place vs 7th, 3rd vs
6th, and 4th vs 5th. The 3 winning teams from the quarterfinal
round advance to the semi-final round. First round results will
determine how the teams are seeded, so the 1st place team from
round 1 that received the buy, will play the lowest seeded
winner of the quarterfinal, and the 2 remaining teams will play
each other. Winner will advance to the championship game.
Alternate format: Eight teams in total, makeup two division A1
and A2. The four teams in each of the two divisions play 4 games
within their division. The top team from each division advances
to the championship game.
- Head to head
- Fewest Goals allowed (total of all games).
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Least Penalty Minutes (All misconducts will be assessed 10
minutes to the game sheet).
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There will be one five-minute "sudden death overtime" period
consisting of 4 players from each team.
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Penalties will be played as 4 on 3. If the penalty killing team
takes an additional penalty the power play team will gain a
player making the advantage 5 on 3.
- Teams do not switch ends. The ice will not be resurfaced.
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If the game does not end via a goal being scored, a shoot-out
will be used. Each team will designate three players to
participate who will take shots. USA hockey penalty shot rules
will be used. The team scoring the most goals in the shootout
round of the 3 shots will be the winner. Additional shooters
will be used if teams are in a tie.
- The home team gets the option of shooting first or last.
Please remember that all USA and New York State Hockey rules apply
during all tournaments.
Zero Tolerance is in effect for all coaches, players and
spectators and will be strictly enforced by the referees. If
unruly spectators are asked to leave and do not, the clock will
begin to run until that spectator complies. Each team coach is
responsible for his parents. Make sure that the parents understand
that this rule will be strictly enforced. It may negatively affect
your team.
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Checking from behind is a 2 and 10 minimum or a 5 minute and a
game.
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A game misconduct will result in the suspension of that player
for the remainder of the game and the next game unless 3rd man
in rule applies.
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Any player that gets 5 or more penalties in a game will result
in the suspension of that player in that game and the following
game.
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Any coach whose team incurs 15 or more penalties in one game
will result in the suspension of that coach in the following
game. The coach may watch the game from the stands but may not
communicate with the team in any manner. Failure to abide by
these will result in the expulsion of the coach from the
tournament and the rink.
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Games involving a Match penalty will result in an immediate
suspension and expulsion of that person from the tournament.
Further disciplinary actions will be taken against the coach,
team or player. USA hockey will be notified along with the
parent organization.
Check out the attractions around the rink
Screening Process
All U.S.A. Hockey Rules and Regulations will be applicable.
Tournament Rules are posted on our website under the tournament
rules link. Please note that all of our tournaments are run on a
point-per-period scoring system, where each game is worth 5 points
which will be divided between the two teams.
All U.S. and Canadian Teams must be registered with their
respective parent organizations for the 2015-2016 season. Only
U.S.A. hockey age classifications will be accepted. A certified
U.S.A. or C.A.H.A. Hockey Team roster will be required before
final acceptance is granted. It must also be presented at
registration check-in.
Classification systems (AAA, AA, A, B, AE, house select & house)
may have slightly different meanings from area to area. Expect to
encounter teams that may have different eligibility or
classification rules that may not correspond to what you are
accustomed to in your area. The age groups for USA Hockey and
those of the Canadian Hockey Association are basically the same,
however, areas that have large numbers of registered players tend
to further delineate within the 2-year window allowed for each age
group. In these situations, teams composed of exclusively or
primarily of players in their 1st year of eligibility of a
particular age group will play in their respective home areas
against like teams.
New York has areas that use both the two year USA Hockey age
window and the single calendar year to determine the make-up of
their teams. There are also teams that travel from New York who
are rostered as B/travel.
Ontario has much more skill classification, per the calendar year
age grouping than any USA Hockey affiliate. These include AAA, AA,
A, BB, B, AE (additional entry) and House. Many governing bodies
within Ontario also permits Select or All-Star teams to form for
the sole purpose of competing in events.
Cleveland Suburban League uses the RPI system and classifies teams
as AA, A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2.
In Massachusetts, teams are classified A, B, and C with the
exception of the Boston Metro League.
In Michigan they’re referred to as “A” teams, in Ontario & Western
New York they are referred to as “minor” teams. Michigan is still
the only place in the universe, to our knowledge, where the A & AA
classifications are age groups and not skill levels.
Ohio is growing their hockey programs rapidly, but there are not
the concentrations of players you'll find in Michigan or Illinois
and therefore the talent is also spread out. Each season we see
additional ice arenas being built, added to or renovated in Ohio.
With the addition of the Blue Jackets in Columbus, it's only a
matter of time.
Indiana like Ohio suffers from a lack of ice arenas. Again there
are several programs across the state and new arenas are being
built each season. House program teams in Indiana do not travel to
tournaments. Programs in Indiana typically form an All-Star team
from their house programs which either compete in the B or A
brackets of our events.
Florida also has an interesting way of organizing youth hockey. A
& AA teams are typically designated as such depending on the
league you choose. For instance, teams playing in the Central
Florida Hockey League are all designated A teams with those teams
playing in the statewide league designated as AA teams. In
addition, a team can be formed in Florida for the sole purpose of
attending a tournament and these teams are rostered as tournament
teams.
Our tournament divisions are based on the following general
guidelines. Variations are possible based on the skill level of
specific teams:
AA - The "best" or first picked travel team within a Tier II
organization. These teams will often consist primarily of
"second-year" or "major" aged players within the age group. In
some cases, Major A teams are also a more appropriate fit for this
level.
A - The second team or lower teams within a hockey organization
and/or teams consisting Primarily of "first-year" players within
the age classification or "minor" teams of a suitable skill level.
B - The third, or lower, travel level teams chosen within a Tier
II organization or teams that are classified as Tier III. Teams at
the B levels may often be populated by many players in their first
year of "travel" hockey.
AA - Top competitive team in an association or district.
A - Competitive travel teams that are tournament bound.
B - Recreational/House/Travel teams that are not tournament bound.
C - Developmental teams - Teams that mainly comprised of
first-year players with no more than 20% returning players
Age divisions and classifications may vary between the U.S. and
Canada and, in some cases, from state to state. The tournament
director will discuss appropriate placement of all teams to ensure
fair, competitive and equitable playing divisions.
Teams are required to stay at one of the approved host hotels. A
list of approved hotels will be sent as soon as the entry fee is
received. The reservation committee will book all team rooms.
Teams are not allowed to book their own reservations. It is
suggested that team managers/coaches respond quickly since there
are limited rooms available at each hotel. Call for further
information.
Please note - Teams that do not stay at approved hotels will be
removed from the tournament and forfeit their entry fees.
Please complete the electronic registration. The application will
not be processed until the entry fee is received. Applications are
taken in the order they are received. Full payment must be
included in U.S. funds.
A CERTIFIED BANK CHECK OR ASSOCIATION CHECK SHOULD BE USED.
Hotels
Sheraton Niagara Falls
Hotel Amenities
- 8 minutes to Hyde Park Ice Pavilion
- Reef Beach Club Indoor Pool
- “At The Falls Arcade” with 37 state-of-the-art games
- On Site Rainforest Café and full service Starbucks
- Lobby Bar
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Sheraton Niagara Falls Hotel Site
See Rates
Wyndham Garden Inn
Holiday Inn
Hotel Amenities
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Includes $5.00 free play to the Great American Arcade – over
45 interactive games!
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Anchor Bar and Restaurant – Home of the Original Buffalo
Wing
- 4 million dollar renovation completed in 2015
- Indoor Heated Pool
- Walking distance to Niagara Falls
See Rates
Hampton Inn Niagara Falls
Hotel Amenities
- 7 minutes to Hyde Park Ice Pavilion
- Complimentary Wifi
- Complimentary parking
- Complimentary Hot Buffet Breakfast
- Meeting Room space available upon request
See Rates
Comfort Inn & Suites
Hotel Amenities
- BRAND NEW HOTEL with FREE parking
- Hot Breakfast included
- Fitness Center
- Year round pool
- 5 min to Hyde Park
See Rates
Niagara Riverside Resort
Hotel Amenities
- Riverfront property
- Pet friendly
- Complimentary WiFi
- Indoor heated pool
See Rates
Quality Hotel & Suites
Hotel Amenities
- 10 minutes to Hyde Park Ice Pavilion
- Indoor Pool
- On Site Papa Johns
- Legends Bar
- Hotel Suites
See Rates
Holiday Inn Express Grand Island - Niagara Falls
Hotel Amenities
- 5 mile | 9 minutes from Hyde Park Ice Pavilion
- Burrata Bistro on the rooftop | 4th floor | great views with food and beverage
- Indoor heated pool
- Hot breakfast is included
See Rates
Holiday Inn Express - Niagara Falls
Live stats will be available once a tournament starts.
Check out the schedule for the Niagara Falls Columbus Day tournament!
NST Tournaments Features:
A friendly, courteous staff with a tournament director present at
ALL times.
Experienced Referees with the Supervisor of Officials present for
EVERY game.
First Class hotel rooms at the LOWEST rates in WNY.
ONLY Tournament operator in WNY to have an EMT present at every
game.
Great restaurants, tourist attractions, casino gambling.
Convenient Tournament dates so the LEAST amount of school is
missed.
Buffalo Sabres and Niagara University Division I hockey.
Game sheets prepared by tournament staff for every game.
We will have a parents party at the rink from 9pm-1am.
Complimentary beer and entertainment will be provided.
After one game, NST will provide a tray of pizza that can be
enjoyed in J.R. Stone room, which is attached to the rink.
Why play with NST?
Voted #1 Tournament Operator in WNY
We spend hundreds of hours screening each application, and unlike
other organizations that run 20-30 tournaments per year, we run 5
tournaments. With more than enough applicants, we carefully place
each team, where the objective of these larger tournament venues
is to fill their tournaments with as many teams as possible.
With 25 years of experience, we have learned over the years that
keeping things organized makes it easier for everyone. and for our
attendees.
We provide a tournament schedule 3-4 weeks prior to the tournament
event. Schedules seldom change since we put our schedules through
a rigorous approval process, not to mention that all teams have
already paid in full, and we typically have a waiting list.
USA Hockey Sanctioned
Each player receives thank you gift (bag tag, puck, etc) for
entering the tournament. The gift changes every tournament. Teams
that advance to the championship game receive either individual
runner-up or championship trophies. Champions will also receive a
team trophy. Understanding kids expectations when making it to the
Championship game; we spare no expense when it comes to our
trophies.
Multiple Team/Tournament Discounts
Balanced, Competitive, well thought out Divisions
Individual and Team awards for Finalists and Champions
3 - 5 games guaranteed
Complimentary Bag Tag for each Player
Zero Tolerance Policy
USA Hockey is committed to creating a safe and fair environment
for all participants. Respect for the game, the opponents, coaches
and officials is a critical part of the environment that is
created. This Zero Tolerance Policy summarizes required actions to
be taken when violations occur.
All players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators
and parents/spectators are required to maintain a sportsmanlike
and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey
sanctioned games. Thus, the following points of emphasis must be
implemented by all USA Hockey participants and spectators.
Players
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall
be assessed whenever a player:
- Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
- Taunts or incites an opponent.
- Visually creates a disturbance during the game.
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they
shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall
result if the player continues such action.
Coaches
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall
be assessed whenever a coach:
- Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
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Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to anyone at any time.
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Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s
decision including standing on the boards or standing in the
bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players
or spectators.
Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall
be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
In addition, any player/coach who uses language that is hateful or
discriminatory in nature anywhere in the rink before, during or
after the game shall be penalized under Rule 601(e.3) resulting in
a match penalty. Such behavior is reprehensible and has absolutely
no place in our game. The offender shall be immediately suspended
until a hearing is conducted by the governing USA Hockey Affiliate
or Junior League.
Officials
Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike,
sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The
actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as
“baiting” or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited.
Officials are strongly encouraged to introduce themselves to the
coaches prior to the game to establish a basis of mutual respect
and to facilitate/define in-game communication.
Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct
themselves with this responsibility in mind.
Parents / Spectators
Parents are expected to be a positive role model by treating all
players, coaches, officials and fellow spectators with respect and
support.
The game will be stopped by game officials when parents/
spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior
interfere with other spectators or the game. The game officials
will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing
parents/ spectators from the spectator’s viewing and game area.
Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and
violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the
local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior
shall include:
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Use of obscene, profane or abusive language to anyone at any
time.
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Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by
means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or
physical violence.
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Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players
bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as
to create a safety hazard.
USA Hockey strongly recommends that each local youth hockey
registered team designate a volunteer to serve as a
parent/spectator monitor during all team games. This monitor will,
ideally, address inappropriate spectator behavior prior to the
situation escalating to the point it has an impact on the game.
This designated monitor shall have the full support of the youth
hockey association and the arena management to remove any
spectator in violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy.
Administrators
Administrators are the key to building a positive, growing and
safe USA Hockey community. Create a culture that is:
- Welcoming
- Protected
- Respected
- Connected
- Valued
Administrators are responsible for enforcing the rules and
policies established and approved by USA Hockey, their Affiliate,
and their Association or Club. This includes taking disciplinary
action, as deemed appropriate, towards any parent/spectator
removed from a game as a result of a violation of the Zero
Tolerance Policy.