Playoffs, HL Coaches (City of Vaughan Hockey)

PrintPlayoffs
HI COACHES!

The Playoffs are upon us, and the hockey gets even more exciting!  This page is intended to guide you on how the playoffs are run, what to expect, and what you as a coach should do to ensure our players have the best experience possible!  At the end of the season, we may only have one champion, but the development and lessons you have taught each player will far outweigh anything you can win.  It is important to remember that as a coach, you are a role model for the players, and the parents also take cues from how you react in certain situations!  Let's make sure that sportsmanship wins in the end!

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THE COACHES MANUAL WHICH WILL CONTAIN MORE DETAILED INFORMATION BUT FOR YOUR REFERENCE, WE HAVE INCLUDED SOME OF THE MORE RELEVANT INFORMATION BELOW:

FORMATS
Each division has slightly different formats based on the number of teams. We have provided a breakdown of the formats, which also includes dates. However, ALWAYS refer to the schedule online, as it is the most accurate!

U10/U11 Format - 7_Team_Divisional_Playoffs_-_U11-U13
U12/U13 Format - 7_Team_Divisional_Playoffs_-_U11-U13
U14/U15 Format - 6_Team_Divisional_Playoffs_-_U15
U16/U17/U18 Format - 4_Team_Divisional_Playoffs_-_U18

Each division will play a Round-Robin format in which they will play every team.  There are no overtimes in the Round-Robin.  At the end of the Round-Robin, teams will be re-seeded based on the Round-Robin standings. Tie-breakers for the Round-Robin if teams are tied are found in Coaches Manual, and outlined below.

ROUND ROBIN TIE-BREAKERS

If at the end of the Round Robin, two teams are tied in points the teams will be ranked based on the following:

• Head to Head
• Most Wins
• GF% as shown on the website
• Team that scored the first goal in the first game against one another
• Coin Toss

If at the end of the Round Robin, three or more teams are tied in points the teams will be ranked based on the following.  At each tie-breaker, any team that is not tied will be eliminated and this will continue until two teams remain.  Once two teams remain, the tie-breakers for for the two remaining teams will be used starting with the first tie-breaker and working your way down. • Most Wins • GF% as shown on the website • Least Goals Against as shown on the website • Least Penalty Minutes in the Round Robin • If more than 2 teams are still tied, than each team will be assigned a number that is randomly drawn to see who wins.

By way of example, if Teams A, B, and C are tied for 1st place in all 4 of the above tiebreakers, then a random draw to see who is first among them is done.  If, for example, Team B wins the draw, they would be ranked 1st.  Then Team A and C would be subject to the Tiebreakers for two teams to determine who finishes 2nd and 3rd.

LINE CONTROL

Line control must be used for every playoff game.  This is to ensure that teams are providing equal ice to their players and are not trying to alter the balance of games by playing certain players more.  This is house league and everyone has agreed to the rules! 

REFEREES HAVE NO INVOLVEMENT IN LINE CONTROL, PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE THEM ON THIS TOPIC!!!

SHIFT LENGTH
 
Shifts should be 45 seconds to 1m15sec MAXIMUM.  It is up to you as a coach to ensure your players are abiding by it.  It is not acceptable to say "Well he just doesn't come off when we call him....".  You are the coach, and you need to have a conversation with your team.

  - DO make a change if there is a whistle and they have been out for 45 seconds.
  - DO NOT short shift your weaker players by changing them after 30 seconds if you are changing your other lines at the 1min or more makr.  ALL LINES GET EQUAL ICE TIME.

WHAT IF MY PLAYERS STAY OUT TOO LONG?

If your players are out over the 1min15sec mark, the Convenor has the right to call off a goal.  Whether the player scores it, assists it, or isn't involved in the goal, the Convenor has the right to call off the goal.  Remember, the responsibility is on you and the player to make sure they don't stay on too long.

DO NOT ask the Convenor to call off goals because someone was out to long.  There may be factors at play that contribute to a longer shift that are out of the control of any player or coach.  However, the player is expected to get off the ice AS SOON AS PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE. 

By way of example:  Player X is on the ice for 1min45sec because they get stuck in the defensive zone.  The play finally moves up the ice, and Player X joins the rush, and a goal is scored in and around the 2min mark.  The Convenor may call the goal off because Player X had the opportunity to change.   At the same time, if the play is in the offensive zone for an extended time and the puck hasn't left the zone, and a goal is scored with players on the ice over the allotted time, the goal is still a good goal as they might not have had the opportunity to change.
  

WE ASK FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN ENSURING PLAYERS STAY WITHIN THE SHIFT LIMITS!

Files:

Line Control (to be printed and used every game) - CVHA_Line_Control_NON-BUZZER_MASTER_2024-25_Edition
Line Control Example - CVHA_Line_Control_NON-BUZZER_MASTER_2024-25_Edition_with_EXAMPLES
OT Line Control (to be printed and used in all ELIMINATION GAMES) - CVHA_OVERTIME_Non-Buzzer_Line_Control_Sheet_2024-2025_Edition
OT Line Control Example - CVHA_OVERTIME_Non-Buzzer_Line_Control_Sheet_2024-2025_Edition_EXAMPLE


COACH AND PLAYER CONDUCT

We remind all coaches and players that there is no tolerance for abusive behaviour toward game officials.  Hockey Canada Maltreatment rules are in effect. We understand that events may happen that need correcting, but you need to remain calm and speak to your Convenor.  No different than if you were in the workplace; you wouldn't be yelling and screaming and using inappropriate language!  There is no reason ever to scream or be verbally abusive to anyone.   This includes:

- Referees
- Timekeepers
- Convenors
- League Officials



The playoffs are a fun and exciting time for players, coaches and parents!  Some teams will win, and some teams will lose!  We aim to teach our players sportsmanship no matter the circumstance and how to properly conduct ourselves.  As a coach, you are a role model, and who the players and parents will look to in how to respond to different situations.  Show them the proper way, it is a more important life lesson than winning a hockey game!