Group format

All four teams play each other once: each team plays three games, for a total of six group games.

Overtime and shootout

If a game is tied after 60 minutes of regulation, a five-minute overtime period is played 3-on-3 (plus goaltenders), with a golden goal: the first team to score wins.

If the score remains tied, the game goes to a shootout: initially five attempts per team, followed by sudden-death rounds if needed.

Points system

Two teams tied on points

If two teams finish the group with the same number of points, the winner of their head-to-head game ranks higher.

Three or more teams tied on points

If three or more teams finish level on points, a mini-league standings is calculated using the games between the tied teams.

1. Most points in head-to-head games.
2. Best goal difference in head-to-head games.
3. Most goals scored in head-to-head games.
4. If still tied, further IIHF criteria apply based on results against teams outside the tied group and, ultimately, the initial seeding.

Qualification

The top three teams at the end of the group advance to the next stage of the Continental Cup.