History

The Sadbhavana Ice Hockey Cup was established to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and unity in the Himalayan region. With its inaugural edition held on the frozen landscapes of Spiti, the event quickly became a symbol of community pride and athletic excellence.

1. Inception:
   • The tournament began as a local initiative to bring people together through the love of ice hockey.
   • Its name, "Sadbhavana," reflects the mission of fostering goodwill and harmony.
2. Growth Over Time:
   • What started as a small local competition has grown into a regional celebration of talent and teamwork.
   • The tournament attracts players and spectators from across the Himalayan region.
3. Key Highlights:
   • The event has featured nail-biting matches played on natural ice rinks in breathtaking surroundings.
   • Every edition celebrates the resilience, determination, and camaraderie of the participants.
4. Impact:
   • Beyond the competition, the tournament strengthens community bonds and promotes the sport of ice hockey in remote areas.
   • It serves as an inspiration for young athletes to embrace the sport and its values.

Rules

1. Team Composition:
   • Each team has six players on the ice: one goaltender and five skaters (three forwards and two defensemen).
   • Teams can substitute players freely during play or stoppages.
2. Objective:
   • Score goals by shooting the puck into the opposing team's net.
   • The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
3. Game Duration:
   • A standard game has three 20-minute periods.
   • If the game is tied after regulation, overtime or a shootout may decide the winner.
4. Faceoffs:
   • Play begins and resumes with a faceoff, where two players battle for puck control.
   • Faceoffs occur at designated circles on the ice.
5. Icing:
   • Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck across both the center line and the opponent's goal line without it being touched.
   • The play stops, and a faceoff occurs in the offending team's defensive zone.
6. Offside:
   • A player cannot enter the attacking zone (cross the opponent’s blue line) before the puck does.
   • Offside results in a stoppage and a faceoff outside the attacking zone.
7. Penalties:
   • Minor Penalty: 2 minutes in the penalty box for infractions like tripping, hooking, or slashing.
   • Major Penalty: 5 minutes for more severe infractions, such as fighting.
   • Misconduct Penalty: 10 minutes for serious offenses, often in addition to a minor or major penalty.
   • Game Misconduct: Ejection from the game for serious rule violations.
8. Power Play and Penalty Kill:
   • The team with a player advantage due to an opponent’s penalty is on a power play.
   • The penalized team is on a penalty kill and tries to defend until the penalty ends.
9. Checking:
   • Body checking is allowed but must be clean (no hits to the head or from behind).
   • Illegal checks result in penalties.
10. Puck Handling:
    • Players can use their sticks to pass, shoot, and control the puck.
    • Players cannot close their hand on the puck or throw it.
11. Goaltender Rules:
    • Goalies can handle the puck within the designated trapezoid behind their net.
    • Interference with the goaltender in their crease is not allowed.
12. Goal Scoring:
    • A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line inside the net.
    • The puck must not be kicked, thrown, or batted into the net by hand.
13. Tiebreakers:
    • Regular-season games may have a 5-minute sudden-death overtime.
    • If still tied, a shootout with three players from each team decides the winner.
    • In playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes of sudden death until a winner is decided.
14. Line Changes:
    • Teams can substitute players on the fly or during stoppages.
    • The home team gets the last change (advantage of matching lines).
15. Equipment:
    • Players must wear helmets, skates, gloves, and protective gear.
    • Sticks must meet specific length and curve regulations.