Upon completion of round-robin play, teams enter the elimination round.

Since its opening ceremonies on May 22, 1992, and the first finals on May 24, 1992,[4] the tournament has grown to over 250 expected teams in 2010,[5] another increase from previous years.

[7] The opening ceremonies are always kicked off with a speech from the Challenge Cup's celebrity guest Walter Gretzky.

Walter also actively participates in helping some of the younger players, in making pre-game appearances to the teams.

[8] There have not been many other celebrity guests that have made their appearances to the tournament in the past years, except Walter Gretzky, of course.

[10] Note that as a result of the large number of teams in the 2010 tournament, some age levels played in two different divisions.

A pivot is made between center ice and the blue line after finishing one lap.

Players must complete the entire course with the puck, and having not lost any control whatsoever during their routine.