FACE-OFF FEVER: AMATEUR/COMPETETIVE HOCKEY

Most ice facilities have organized teams that play out of that facility. These are organized based on age and skill level, and often times offer more competetive hockey than school programs. These tend to attract plays from across the region, and are not at all related to what school district a player attends.

As previously noted, local leagues fall under the governance of USA Hockey. Registration with USA Hockey is required for amateur and school ice hockey. This registration gives you insurance coverage, subscription to USA Hockey Magazine, and more. Registration is currently $40.00 (2012-2103), with another $5.00 to cover state affiliate fees. Complete benefits are viewable at USAHocky.com at: https://www.usahockeyregistration.com/images/Benefits.pdf

Amateur/Competitive hockey is played at various age and skill levels. The most advanced level is AAA, followed by AA, A, and B levels. At certain ages, skill levels are futher refined as Major Black, Major Gold, Minor Black and Minor Gold. Sometimes this is represented as ++, +, --, - depending on the organization.

Tier I: All AAA and some AA teams play under this category, and play in high-level leagues. If you hear of a "birth-year" team, this implies that all players were born the same year. This often implies a AAA team.

Tier II: Covers AA, A and B teams at all age levels.

Tier II amateur teams are covered by the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League, PAHL. PAHL sets the rules for regular season and tournament play. These rules are based on USA Hockey guidelines, but are not required to follow their guidelines 100%. Teams are based on birth year and have no relation to what grade-level the player attends in school.

Next Stop: High School Hockey...