The Izard Cup was the first trophy competed for at the national tournament, but in 1924 this trophy was withdrawn and the K Cup became the championship trophy. Runners up in the tournament receive the Floyd Shield, which was first presented in 1913. In 1928 the Holden Cup was presented as a trophy for the winning team from among the runners-up in the section play. By 1948 the number of teams competing and the variation in the standard of hockey made it necessary to grade the tournament into major and minor sections. The Mills Cup, presented in 1908, is now the trophy for the winners in the minor section. In 1952 the Holden Cup was transferred to this section as the trophy for the runners-up.

During the tournament teams are selected from both sections for a North versus South Island match, which is played at the end of the tournament.