Midget 16U/18U/H.S.J.V./ H.S V teams: May be scheduled in the same divisions. Ice resurfaces after 2 periods of play (time permitting). You may start on clean ice and play two periods, then take a resurface break and play the last period. You may go on dirty ice for a warm-up and 1 period, and go off for a resurface, then play the previous two periods.
All teams must be booked through our hotel process with TTS. This is a stay-to-play event for all teams whose home rink is 70 miles or further away from the designated main rink of the Tournament. Any teams within the 70-mile limit that plan to book hotels must also go through our hotel booking process. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of games, disqualification, and immediate removal from the Tournament, with no refund of any kind.
Big Bear partners with numerous local sports teams and other attractions to offer a comprehensive travel experience in the cities where we host tournaments.
Our on-staff Entertainment Coordinator can help your Team pick the perfect off-ice activity in any Tournament location. We provide this service as a courtesy to all our participating teams to make the most of your travel experience in any city.
From professional sports to dining and other Team activities, let us plan the perfect balance of on-ice competition and off-ice family fun. Please e-mail hc@bigbeartournaments.com for the most up-to-date activities in the city of your choice. If you plan to purchase tickets to professional or other off-ice entertainment on your own, please notify Holly so she can work with our scheduler to ensure your activity can be accommodated.
Failure to communicate off-ice activities could result in schedule conflicts with your games.
Please be aware that if your Team is traveling by plane, motorcoach, or any other method that requires payment and/or reservations, you must enter that itinerary into your application to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Event Info
There will be a minimum of 4 games scheduled for each team
Friday games may begin as early as 8 a.m. local time
Select the division that best fits your team, and our highly skilled staff will ensure you are placed in a competitive division with teams of similar skill. Divisions will be created to support competitive tournaments for all teams. In any division, teams may compete within the same USA Hockey Age Classification, regardless of whether they are minor, major, or mixed-age teams. Any questions regarding placement or divisions, please get in touch with our office at 248-399-1694
Kodiak Division- Generally, higher-level teams
Grizzly Division-Generally, middle-level teams
Polar Division-Generally, lower-level teams
Midget 16U/18U/H.S.J.V./ H.S V teams: May be scheduled in the same divisions. Ice resurfaces after 2 periods of play (time permitting). You may start on clean ice and play two periods, then take a resurface break and play the last period. You may go on dirty ice for a warm-up and 1 period, and go off for a resurface, then play the previous two periods.
All teams must be booked through our hotel process with TTS. This is a stay-to-play event for all teams whose home rink is 70 miles or further away from the designated main rink of the Tournament. Any teams within the 70-mile limit that plan to book hotels must also go through our hotel booking process. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of games, disqualification, and immediate removal from the Tournament, with no refund of any kind.
Big Bear partners with numerous local sports teams and other attractions to offer a comprehensive travel experience in the cities where we host tournaments. Our on-staff Entertainment Coordinator can help your Team pick the perfect off-ice activity in any Tournament location. We provide this service as a courtesy to all our participating teams, helping you make the most of your travel experience in any city.
From professional sports to dining and other Team activities, let us plan the perfect balance of on-ice competition and off-ice family fun.
Please email hc@bigbeartournaments.com for the most up-to-date activities in the city of your choice. If you plan to purchase tickets to professional or other off-ice entertainment on your own, please notify Holly so she can work with our scheduler to ensure your activity can be accommodated. Failure to communicate off-ice activities could result in schedule conflicts with your games.
Please be aware that if your team is traveling by plane, motorcoach, or any other method that requires payment and/or reservations, you must enter that itinerary into your application to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedules
Q: We’re playing in a division of 5 teams, and we have an early game each day. Why?
A: The rules for scheduling events in Michigan are more stringent than those of USA Hockey. For player safety, USA Hockey recommends 4 hours between games and in Michigan it a rule. The Michigan rules are in line with USA recommendations and are in place for the safety of the players. Given this dynamic, we believe player safety should be our top priority, and we apply the same rules consistently at every venue.
In a division of five teams, only four teams can play at any given time, with one team sitting out. This causes a leapfrog effect, which in turn affects the schedule.
Q: How do I know if our Team is home or away?
A: The home Team is always listed first (or to the left on the schedule) and always wears white unless the away Team only has one set of jerseys.
Q: What do I do if my division has completed the round robin portion of the event and I can’t find the information in GOM for the next round of games, semis, consolation, etc.?
A: Results are typically posted within 2 hours of the completion of the final game in the bracket.
Arena & Game Procedures
Q: Once we arrive at the Arena, what do we need to do?
A: The manager or coach should secure a locker room from the arena staff.
Check in with the Tournament director and put the stickers (3) on the score sheet. If any of your other games are at that rink as well, request the score sheets and put stickers on all of them. Avery labels #5163 are the correct size for our score sheets.
If you have an updated roster or haven’t turned one in yet, you must present an official roster before going on the ice. Failure to do so could result in a forfeit.
Each Team contact was provided a copy of the Tournament rules, and additional copies will also be available at each Arena.
Scorekeepers are scheduled for every Tournament game. On occasion, a scorekeeper may be late or sick. In this instance, the Tournament director may request assistance from one or both teams.
Either a coach or a parent will need to work the penalty box door. Upon accepting this job, you’ve agreed to be an off-ice official, and you must comply with all USA Hockey requirements.
On Ice Officials
Q: How do I know if the officials are qualified to ref our game?
A: OIO will have a crest on their jerseys with the current year. Previous seasons’ crests are good until November. However, all officials used have been vetted before the event to ensure they have registered and are in good standing with the governing body.
Q: What do I do if I disagree with the call on the ice?
A: We adhere strictly to the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance policy when it comes to the way you engage with the OIO. Abusive language, swearing, or threats will result in your removal either from the bench or the Arena. Your behavior could also result in your team being penalized.
Equipment
Q: We only have one set of jerseys. How can we be sure this won’t be an issue?
A: Let your Tournament director know about this early in the process so we can check with and notify your opponents.
Awards
Q: Who receives medals and banners?
A: Medals are awarded to the first and second-place teams only. Banners are awarded to the winner of the division.