ROSTERS & 3LIGIBILITY

The 3ICE Open Division roster and eligibility standards are designed to ensure fair competition, consistent enforcement, and alignment with the fast-paced, high-skill identity of 3ICE hockey.

All teams must adhere to clearly defined roster limits, submission deadlines, and player eligibility requirements. Participation is limited to amateur, junior, and collegiate players who meet age and professional-play eligibility criteria. Strict restrictions apply to players with recent professional experience in top domestic leagues worldwide.

Rosters are locked before competition and closely monitored throughout pool play, playoffs, and championship advancement. Tournament administration retains final authority over all eligibility determinations, with penalties for violations to protect competitive integrity.

Complete roster rules, professional eligibility standards, and enforcement policies are detailed below and will be finalized and published in advance of each regional tournament registration deadline.

Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

Every team and organization enters the 3ICE Open with different goals, timelines, and needs, and we’re here to support you.

If you have additional questions or would like to walk through the team process in detail, we invite you to schedule a customized Google Meet with members of the 3ICE Open Division team. During your meeting, we’ll provide personalized guidance on registration, eligibility, event operations, and planning so you can move forward with confidence.

Schedule a one-on-one conversation with the 3ICE Open team and let us help you prepare for the fastest game in amateur hockey.

We look forward to connecting with you and welcoming your team to the

3ICE Open Division.

ROSTERS & 3LIGIBILITY

OFFICIAL PROTOCOLS & COMPETITIVE STANDARDS

OFFICIAL ROSTER & ELIGIBILITY PROTOCOLS & COMPETITIVE STANDARDS

Rosters

- Maximum roster size: 12 skaters and 2 goaltenders (14 total players).

- Maximum players dressed for each game: 9 skaters and 1 goaltender.
- Minimum roster size & players dressed for each game: 7 skaters and 1 goaltender.
- Only players listed on the official roster are eligible to participate.
- Players may only be rostered on one team for the duration of the tournament.

Roster Submission & Changes

- Each team must submit an official roster before the start of the tournament.

- Roster changes are permitted up until one (1) calendar week before the start of the tournament. (Example: If the tournament begins Friday, May 1, the final roster submission deadline is Friday, April 24 at 11:59 PM.)
- After the roster deadline:

- No skaters may be added.

- Goaltender replacements may be considered only in cases of injury or illness, and only with tournament approval.

- Any roster changes must be approved by tournament staff before the player participates.

- Prior to each game of the event, the Team Captain must submit the roster of player to be dressed (adhering to previously stated minimum/maximum requirements) through GameSheet.

- Teams failing to adhere to event roster standards may be subject to:

- Game forfeiture

- Loss of standings points

- Removal of the ineligible player

- Team disqualification

Player Eligibility
- All participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Players must meet the professional eligibility requirements outlined below.

Professional Hockey Restrictions

North America (United States & Canada)
- Any player who has participated in any of the following North American professional leagues is ineligible, unless the player has been retired from that league by the conclusion of the 2023–24 season:
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- American Hockey League (AHL)
- ECHL
** This applies regardless of contract type, salary, or games played.

International (Outside North America)
- Any player who has participated in the top two (2) domestic professional hockey leagues of any non–North American country is ineligible, unless the player has been retired from those leagues by the conclusion of the 2023–24 season.
** This rule applies globally, regardless of country, league structure, salary level, or part-time or full-time professional status.
** “Domestic league” includes a country’s primary professional league system, including multinational leagues in which that country’s teams participate.

Examples of Top-Two Domestic Leagues (Non-Exhaustive)
- Russia: KHL, VHL
- Sweden: SHL, HockeyAllsvenskan
- Finland: Liiga, Mestis
- Czech Republic: Extraliga, 1. Liga
- Switzerland: National League, Swiss League
- Germany: DEL, DEL2
- Slovakia: Tipsport Extraliga, Slovak Hockey League
- Austria: ICE Hockey League (ICEHL)
- Norway: Fjordkraft-ligaen, 1. Divisjon
- Denmark: Metal Ligaen, 1. Division
- France: Ligue Magnus, Division 1
- United Kingdom: EIHL, NIHL National
- Poland: Polska Hokej Liga, 1. Liga
- Hungary: Erste Liga, OB I
- Slovenia: Slovenian Hockey League, Alps Hockey League
- Kazakhstan: KHL, Kazakhstan Hockey Championship
- Japan / South Korea: Asia League Ice Hockey
** This list is illustrative and not limiting.

Amateur, Junior & College Players
- Junior players and college players (NCAA and club hockey) are eligible to participate, provided they are 18 years of age or older.
- 3ICE / 3ICE Open is not responsible for ensuring NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compliance for college players. Responsibility for NIL compliance rests solely with the player and their institution.

Pool Play & Playoff Eligibility
- Players must participate in a minimum of three (3) pool play games to be eligible for playoff competition.
- Players who do not meet the minimum pool play requirement are ineligible for playoffs, regardless of roster status.

Playoff Rosters & Advancement
- Playoff rosters are locked at the conclusion of pool play.
- The playoff roster will serve as the official roster for the National Championship, should the team advance.
- Only players listed on the locked playoff roster may participate in playoff or championship games.

Enforcement & Authority
Teams found using ineligible or unrostered players may be subject to:
- Game forfeiture
- Loss of standings points
- Removal of the ineligible player
- Team disqualification
- Players and teams are responsible for accurate disclosure of playing history during registration.
- Tournament administration retains final authority on all eligibility determinations.