NTXHL Playoffs 2006 

The NTXHL Playoffs have been scheduled as indicated below.  For more information, go to the official NTXHL Web Site.

Early this season, Association Voting Representatives rejected a proposal to utilize the same general NTXHL calendar used in 2004-2005 citing the length of the season, lack of budgeted ice time in March, and amount of idle time during spring break with no games or scheduled practices. The League members requested an expanded playoff process for finalists.  

Since then, the dates have been announced for Texas Affiliate Camp, Rocky Mountain High School and Tier II Championships.  Playoffs have been scheduled to avoid conflicts with these hockey activities and the major spring break weekend of March 11th–12th.

With the increase in the number of teams, it is not possible to play all Preliminary Round games on one weekend.  With expanded Championship Round, it is not possible to complete the playoff process over one weekend for a Division.  Teams have an option to not participate in the League Playoffs for a reduced league fee.  

Schedules and results for the Divisions in which Alliance has teams participating may be seen by clicking the appropriate division below.  Those Divisions are as follows:

Midget Major AA       Midget Minor AA       Bantam AA       PeeWee AA       Squirt A1       Squirt A2

For all other divisions, go to the NTXHL web site HERE…

Definitions

·          Older Divisions are Bantam and both Midgets = 77 teams

·          Younger Divisions are Pee Wee and Squirt = 63 teams

·          DFW Teams – Teams in DFW area

·          Local Games – Playoff games between two DFW Teams

·          Preliminary Round – Guaranteed 4 game tournament style games to determine top two teams to advance to Championship Round

·          Championship Round – Best two of three games between top two teams from each division’s Preliminary Round
 

Schedule Issues Taken into Account

·          Rocky Mountain District Tier I tournament March 4- 5

·          Rocky Mountain District Tier II tournament March 9- 12

·          Rocky Mountain District High School Tournament March 15-19 (avoid Older Divisions)

·          Texas Affiliate Camp March 17-19 (avoid Older Divisions)

·          Major Spring Break Weekend March 11-12

Playoff Dates and Schedule

March 18th – 19^th:   4 game Preliminary Round for Younger Divisions (7 divisions)

This completes season for all but final two teams in each Younger Divisions (49 teams done)

March 25th – 26^th:  Championship Round games for Younger Divisions
Championships with two DFW Teams may have the first of their games scheduled in later part of week of March 20th prior to the Championship Round weekend.  Third games will be scheduled as needed for those divisions tied after first two games.

March 25th – 26^th:  4 game Preliminary Round games for Older Divisions (9 divisions)
DFW Teams may have some of their Local Games scheduled during week of March 20th prior to the Preliminary Round weekend.  This completes season for all but final two teams in each Older Divisions (59 teams done)

April 1st – 2^nd:  Championship Round games for Older Divisions
Championships with two DFW Teams may have the first of their games scheduled in later part of week of March 27th prior to the Championship Round weekend.  Third games will be scheduled as needed for those divisions tied after first two games.

Game Format

·          Game length will be the same as regular season.  

·          Detailed rules will be posted prior to the start of playoffs.  

·          Preliminary Round games can end in a tie.  

·          Tie breaker rules will determine top two teams to advance.  

·          Championship Round game ties will be resolved by overtime/shootout.
 

Preliminary Round

·          No games will be scheduled prior to Saturday morning March 18th.

·          Potential for games during the week is to allow for shortage of weekend ice and will be avoided if possible for Preliminary Round.

·          All teams will play 4 games against assigned opponents.  

·          Seeding will be determined by regular season standings.  

·          All playoff games involving non-DFW Teams will be played on assigned dates in Dallas.  

·          Non-DFW Teams should plan on arriving in Dallas on Friday pm, with their games starting early Saturday am.  

·          To the extent possible, the league will schedule non-DFW teams to early slots on Sunday to facilitate travel.  

·          Some DFW Teams will be assigned to play during the week and on Friday evenings and Sunday evenings.  

·          Final game time and rink assignments will not be released until after the season is completed and seeding determined.
 

Championship Round

·          First game of Championship Round between two DFW teams will likely be played during the week to maximize weekend ice time for out of town teams.

·          Top two teams in each Division after Preliminary Round will play best two of three series.  

·          Third game is optional only if needed.  

·          No tie games in Championship round.  

·          Non-Dallas teams should plan on arriving in Dallas on Friday pm with their games starting early Saturday am.
 

Travel

·          DFW Teams may have playoff games scheduled on Friday evening of their Preliminary Round.  

·          Non-DFW Teams will be scheduled to finish as early as possible on Sunday, but will have games starting early on Saturday am requiring Friday night stay in Dallas.