Ironclad League Draft Rules (2026)
1. Overview
The league draft is designed to create balanced, competitive teams for the upcoming season. Players will be drafted in skill-based rounds, with an optional “come-along” pairing system for skaters. Goalies are drafted separately at the end of the draft and cannot participate in the come-along system.
2. Player Ratings & Pool Assignments (Skaters Only)
All non-goalie players are assigned a numerical player rating based on past performance, evaluations, and committee review. Players are then placed into one of three pools (may adjust ratings to equal pool numbers):
Pool / Rating Range
Pool A - 3.70 and above
Pool B - 3.00 – 3.69
Pool C - 2.99 and below
The League Committee will finalize all player ratings and pool placements prior to the draft to maintain balance and transparency.
3. Draft Order (Skater Rounds)
The skater draft consists of three rounds, one for each pool: Round 1 – Pool C players Round 2 – Pool B players Round 3 – Pool A players Each team receives one pick per round. The Round 1 order will be determined by contest.
4. Come-Along Rule (Skaters Only)
Each registered skater may optionally select one (1) other skater to be drafted with them as a “come-along.”
4.1. Eligibility
Each skater may name only one come-along. Any player named as a come-along CANNOT be listed by any additional player The come-along must also be registered and agree to the pairing. Both players must be non-goalies. Goalies cannot have or be come-alongs.
4.2. Draft Impact
When a skater with a valid come-along is selected, both players join that team immediately. The come-along counts as the team’s next draft pick (either in the same round or the next applicable round).
Example: Team A drafts Player 1 (who has Player 2 as a come-along). Team A acquires both players and forfeits their next pick in the applicable round of the selected player.
4.3. Cross-Pool Pairings
If the come-along belongs to a different pool, the forfeited pick applies in the round corresponding to that player’s pool.
Example: Player 1 (Pool B) has Player 2 (Pool C) as a come-along. When Player 1 is drafted in Round 2, Player 2 automatically joins Team A, and Team A forfeits its next Pool C pick.
5. Goalie Draft
Goalies are drafted in a separate, final round after all skater rounds are complete.
5.1. Goalie Pool
All registered goalies are placed in a single Goalie Pool and evaluated independently to promote balanced competition.
5.2. Goalie Draft Order
The goalie draft order is determined by lowest team average rating after the completion of the skater draft. Teams with the lowest average skater rating pick first in the goalie draft. Teams with the highest average skater rating pick last. This approach ensures competitive balance by aligning stronger goalies with weaker skater rosters.
5.3. Goalie Eligibility
Goalies are drafted individually and cannot: Select a come-along, or Be selected as someone’s come-along. If a team already has a protected or returning goalie, the League Committee may adjust goalie placements or order for fairness.
6. Draft Process Summary
Skater Draft (3 rounds total):
Round 1: Pool C (2.99 and below)
Round 2: Pool B (3.00–3.69)
Round 3: Pool A (3.70+)
Come-alongs are applied during skater rounds and count as the next pick.
Break - Calculate team average ratings (after skater rounds).
Goalie Draft (final round): Draft order based on lowest average team rating (lowest picks first).
Final rosters are confirmed.
7. Team Composition Goals
The draft system is designed to ensure: Every team has one goalie. Balanced representation across Pools A, B, and C. Similar total player counts (accounting for come-alongs). Competitive parity in team skill averages.
8. Disputes and Adjustments
All rosters are considered finalized upon completion of the draft.
However, the league may trade or move players within the first few sessions of each season to balance teams and maintain parity.
The League Committee reserves the right to adjust the following as needed to maintain competitive balance:
Player ratings or pool placements
Draft order
Come-along pairings
Goalie assignments