Tournament Info

40th Esso GOLDEN Ring – January 16-18, 2026

Have a question that you don’t see the answer to? Check out our FAQS page with answers to some common questions.

Tournament Outline

1. Guaranteed Games:
AS, U10S1, U10S2 guaranteed 4 games
All U10S3, U12, U14, U16, U19 guaranteed 3 games
AA divisions of six or less will play a full round robin (i.e. five games in a six team division, four games in a five team division etc.)
2. Game Play:
AS, U10S1, U10S2 will have 24 minute run time halves
All U10S3, U12, U14 will have 18 minute stop time halves
U16ABC, U19AB will have 20 minutes stop time halves
U16AA, U19AA will have four 10 minute quarters
Shot clocks will be used for tournament games in all divisions except AS and U10
3. All teams and players must be registered with their provincial association.
4. We ask all teams needing accommodation to please patronize our host hotels as they sponsor the tournament. See the Host Hotels menu item for more information.
5. Teams must be available to play their first tournament game at the following times:
AS, U10, U12 …….….….. 7:00 AM Friday, Jan. 16
U14, U16, U19 …..……… 7:00 AM Friday, Jan. 16
6. If a referee wishes to travel with your team, please include his/her name, address, phone number, email address and team affiliations with your application.

 

AS (Active Start) U10S1 and U10S2:

  • “Friendship Series” with no semi or final games, where all participants will receive a medal.
  • AS and U10 will follow Ringette Calgary league policy.
  • U10 Step 1 & 2 are not permitted to have the blocker/trapper combo.
  • When possible, small nets will be used for AS and U10 games, but due to limited locations may not always be available.

Advances and Retreats

We are aware that there can be team movement in league play after Session One. Teams who have been advanced provincially are no longer eligible to participate in the lower division in this tournament. For example, a U14C team who is advanced to U14B no longer qualifies for the U14C division. Teams who anticipate movement are encouraged to notify us prior to October 20th to edit their application for the higher division.  Teams are permitted to play up a level.

Important Points to Note:

    • Every effort will be made to provide teams with the best possible draw configurations. Absolutely no changes will be made to the game schedule once it is complete.
    • The Game schedule will be posted on our website as soon it is complete, no later than the first week of January PLEASE be patient and allow our volunteers to enjoy the holiday season. DO NOT expect a schedule to be complete before January 1st.
    • Coaches information packages will be emailed prior to the tournament.  Team welcome packages will be available at the Don Hartman North East Sportsplex for any teams playing there over the weekend.  If you have no round robin games scheduled there, your team’s package will be delivered to you before your first or second game.
    • MINOR OFFICIALS:
        • AS, U10S1, U10S2 HOME teams are required to supply a timekeeper for all games.
        • U10S3, U12, U14, U16, U19 AWAY teams are required to supply 2 minor officials (shotclock operator/penalty box worker) for ALL GAMES, except the gold medal final. Penalty box workers are still required for the gold medal final.
        • U10S3, U12, U14, U16, U19 HOME teams are required to supply 3 minor officials (timekeeper/scorekeeper/penalty box worker) for ALL GAMES, except the gold medal final. Penalty box workers are still required for the gold medal final.
        • Timekeepers, scorekeepers and shot clock operators will be provided for all gold medal finals.
        • Shot clocks will be available at all arenas.

        A fine of $100.00 CASH may be levied against teams who fail to provide minor officials.