NBPEI Major U18 League Playoff Policy

Updated: May 2024

The provincial playoff format will differ for the four New Brunswick teams and the two PEI teams as follows:

New Brunswick teams will play a “first to eight points” format. 

A team winning in regulation time will be awarded two points for the win - zero points awarded to the loser.  

For non-series deciding playoff games ending in a tie, teams will play a 5 minute, 3 on 3 overtime. If still tied after the 5-minute overtime, one point is awarded to both teams. If a winner is determined during the 5-minute overtime two points are awarded to the overtime winner, zero points awarded to the overtime loser.  

For series deciding playoff games ending in a tie, teams will play a 3 on 3, 10-minute overtime. If still tied, the ice will be resurfaced followed by 20-minute periods with resurfacing following each period until a winner is determined. 

Note: Teams alternate ends at the start of each 20-minute overtime period

Prince Edward Island teams will play best of seven playoff format.  

A 3 on 3 format will be played for the duration of all overtime periods. The first overtime period will be 10 minutes. If still tied the ice will be resurfaced followed by 20-minute periods with resurfacing following each period until a winner is determined. 

Note: Teams alternate ends at the start of each 20-minute overtime period

         There shall be no overall League playoff.

League standings shall be determined by an accumulation of points: two points shall be awarded for a win, one point for a tie, and one point for an overtime loss.

If two teams are tied in points after the regular season's schedule is completed, then the standings will be determined in accordance with the system employed by the National Hockey League:

- Overall regular season wins.  Most wins.

- Season record of the two teams involved, playing against each other.

- Goal differential - number of goals against is subtracted from the number of goals for.  The difference is the goal differential.