Levels Of Junior Hockey In Usa
Hockey is a popular sport in the United States, and many young players aspire to play at the highest levels possible. In the world of junior hockey, there are several different levels that players can compete at. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various levels of junior hockey in the USA, the requirements for each level, and what players can expect at each stage of their hockey careers.
USA Hockey
USA Hockey is the governing body for ice hockey in the United States. It oversees all levels of hockey, from youth to professional. USA Hockey has developed a comprehensive system for junior hockey that allows players to progress through various levels of competition.
Tier I Junior Hockey
Tier I Junior Hockey is the highest level of junior hockey in the United States. This level is for players aged 16 to 20 and is a stepping stone to college and professional hockey. The league consists of 17 teams, and players are selected through a draft system.
Players at this level are expected to be highly skilled and committed to the sport. They often train several hours a day and compete in a rigorous schedule. Tier I Junior Hockey is a great opportunity for players to showcase their skills and gain exposure to college and professional scouts.
Tier II Junior Hockey
Tier II Junior Hockey is the second-highest level of junior hockey in the United States. This level is for players aged 16 to 20 and is a great option for players that are not ready for the Tier I level. The league consists of 29 teams, and players are generally recruited by individual teams.
Players at this level are still expected to be highly skilled and committed, but the competition is not as rigorous as Tier I. Tier II Junior Hockey is a great option for players that want to continue playing at a high level but may not be ready for the Tier I level.
Junior A Hockey
Junior A Hockey is the third-highest level of junior hockey in the United States. This level is for players aged 16 to 20 and is a great option for players that are not quite ready for Tier II Junior Hockey. The league consists of over 20 teams, and players are generally recruited by individual teams.
Players at this level are still expected to be skilled and committed, but the competition is not as rigorous as Tier I or Tier II. Junior A Hockey is a great option for players that want to continue playing at a high level and may be looking to eventually move up to higher levels of competition.
Junior B Hockey
Junior B Hockey is the fourth-highest level of junior hockey in the United States. This level is for players aged 16 to 20 and is a great option for players that may not be ready for Junior A Hockey. The league consists of over 20 teams, and players are generally recruited by individual teams.
Players at this level are still expected to be committed and passionate about the sport, but the competition is not as rigorous as the higher levels of junior hockey. Junior B Hockey is a great option for players that want to continue playing at a high level and may be looking to eventually move up to higher levels of competition.
Conclusion
Junior hockey in the United States offers young players the opportunity to compete at a high level and showcase their skills to scouts from colleges and professional teams. Whether players are ready for Tier I Junior Hockey or are just starting out in Junior B Hockey, there is a level of competition that is right for them. With hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, young players can progress through the levels of junior hockey and achieve their dreams.
