What it takes to be a AAA hockey player - How To Hockey (2024)

Many hockey players dream of making it to the NHL, however most of these players do not understand the amount of commitment and discipline it takes to make this dream a reality. I wanted to help players realize what it takes by asking a player who currently plays AAA hockey.
AAA hockey is the highest level of minor hockey. You don’t HAVE to play AAA to make the NHL, but playing at the AAA level certainly does help in development. Below is an article from Patrick Murphy from MurphHockey.com. Patrick is a very passionate hockey player, he balances hockey with other activities, he is focused and also helps out in his community. I think he is a good example for other players to show what it takes to make a AAA hockey team.
What it takes to be a AAA hockey player –Written by Patrick Murphy
It takes hard work, a positive attitude and total commitment to be a AAA hockey player. Competing at an elite level in hockey is not easy! It takes a total commitment on your part and support from your family too. I have a hockey stick in my hands from morning until night, working on my stick handling and shooting skills, I also sign up for extra skating or skills sessions.
Besides team practices, get on the ice as much as possible! Stick time is fun and gives me a chance to work on my moves. Power Skating classes are really important, I would finish an hour of hockey practice, take my helmet off, grab a drink, get a quick snack and hop back on the ice for another hour of power skating class. I was exhausted, but I didn’t mind because it was more ice time. Skating is so important to the game of hockey, so make sure you are a strong skater.
Ever since I began playing hockey, my parents have discussed with me the 10,000 hour rule (from the book, The Outliers). Basically, I would need to put in roughly ten thousand hours of practice to be successful in hockey. I used to print out monthly calendars and keep track of my progress, but now I just use an app on my iPhone. It has to be a priority, to put in the time!
The most import thing for me is to remain focused on my goals. I set goals each season and work as hard as I can to achieve them. Playing hockey at an elite level of AAA is an honor. It takes dedication to remain there, the end result is worth it.
You can see from the article above that playing high level hockey isn’t about simply trying out and hoping you make the team. It takes dedication and focus. Patrick sets goals, plans out the steps needed to achieve them, and follows through.

What it takes to be a AAA hockey player - How To Hockey (2024)

FAQs

Is it hard to make AAA hockey? ›

It takes hard work, a positive attitude and total commitment to be a AAA hockey player. Competing at an elite level in hockey is not easy! It takes a total commitment on your part and support from your family too.

What does AAA hockey player mean? ›

Also known as "Tier 1 Hockey," AAA Hockey is the highest level of youth hockey in the United States. There are several AAA hockey leagues in the United States and Canada. Some are located in a small regions of North America while some leagues have teams located all over the United States.

How do I become more aggressive in hockey? ›

Win battles for the puck If you want to be more aggressive, you need to start winning battles for the puck. This means being strong on your skates and using your body to your advantage. Be physical and don't be afraid to get in the way of your opponents.

What is the difference between A and AAA hockey? ›

USA Hockey designates four skill levels: Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA", following the Canadian system. Tier 2: also called "AA" or "A". Tier 3: may also be called "A", the lowest level of competitive hockey.

What is better in hockey A or AA? ›

Each age division is subdivided into skill levels: A, AA, and AAA, with single-A being the lowest and triple-A the highest levels. Level classifications are not changed from the previous system.

Is AAA better than a hockey? ›

Any 'A' level league is considerd advanced. 'AA' (double-A) is a kind of mid tier of A level hockey and 'AAA' (triple-A) is the top tier. There are also very often B and C tiers, which are generally considered recreational levels. These rankings apply generally to many sports, not just hockey.

How hard is it to play junior hockey? ›

The junior hockey level is one of the hardest levels for a young hockey player to adapt to. A lot of them have to move away from home, which can be hard. As these young players move up in the ranks of hockey, it just gets more difficult and intense. The players get better and the coaches get more demanding.

Is Junior A better than Triple A? ›

AAA hockey is generally considered to be a higher level of competition than junior ice hockey. This is because AAA hockey teams are typically made up of the best players from a particular region, while junior ice hockey teams may include players from a wider area.

What is A3 hockey? ›

A3 Hockey offers various development programs for youth hockey players. Our objective is to assist each player in building a solid foundation and understanding of the game. We accomplish this by developing their individual skills, hockey sense, and teaching the essential concepts of teamwork and camaraderie.

How can I get smarter at hockey? ›

Many professional hockey players partake in activities like yoga or meditation to help clear their minds so that they can focus on their game. Exposure is also key. The more you watch and play the game, the more you will begin to pick up on player tendencies which can help you react when put in an in-game situation.

Is there such thing as AAAA hockey? ›

The “AAAA” Championship will have NO consolation or 3rd place game. Overtime: Overtime will consist of one 10 minute sudden death period of 4 on 4 hockey (depending on ice availability, a second 10 minute overtime (4 on 4) may be added). After that it will be a shoot-out with each team selecting 5 players to shoot.

Is elite higher than AAA hockey? ›

Using the FED further, as an example, they have an Elite level and a Tier 1 level. The "Elite" level is the top rung (in that league). What they call "Tier 1" -- which they used to call "AAA" -- is more akin to a high level rec or town league hockey...but marketed as something much greater.

Is hockey the toughest sport? ›

Hockey is often considered one of the hardest sports in the world due to a number of factors. One of the most significant is the speed and physicality of the game. Players skate at high speeds and are constantly in motion, making it difficult to maintain control of the puck and navigate the ice.

What does LL mean in hockey? ›

After both the B and C teams are selected, all remaining players will play on a Local League (LL) team. There are typically 2 or 3 LL teams in each age division.

What does 11 and 7 mean in hockey? ›

11 and 7 means eleven forwards and seven defensem*n in the hockey team roster to adjust to an injury. Normally, a team has twelve forward players and six defensem*n, excluding two goaltenders. As ice hockey is unpredictable, any player can get injured by the impact of the puck.

What is a Tier 2 hockey? ›

Tier II consists of the remaining divisions - AA through B divisions – with AA being the most competitive division of Tier II hockey. HIERARCHY OF YOUTH HOCKEY. Tier I AAA teams participate in the USPHL or AYHL while the Tier II divisions participate in the NJYHL.

What does BB mean in hockey? ›

BB (Formerly MD) hockey is first level of Competitive hockey and is available to U8/Minor Novice to U18/Midget players.

What does Junior A mean in hockey? ›

Junior A. Junior A (junior AAA in Quebec) hockey is one level below the CHL. Junior A was referred to as Tier II Junior A in the 1970s, until what was called Major Junior A broke away from their regional branches in 1980 and formed the Canadian Hockey League, becoming Major Junior hockey.

Is 14 too late to start hockey? ›

Kids that start hockey before they are physically and mentally ready are more likely to have a negative experience. It is never too late to start playing hockey. Players have joined hockey programs at 12-13 years old and still made varsity hockey teams.

Is 11 years old too late to start hockey? ›

And while many kids start hockey at ages 5-9, older kids can and should join whenever they become interested.

Is 14 too old to play hockey? ›

Is 14 Too Old to Start Hockey? No, 14 isn't too old to start playing hockey. In fact, many 14-year-olds start playing the game and can compete with other players. It's best to start out in a house league rather than try out for rep for your first year or two.

Do you get paid for junior hockey? ›

How much does a Junior Hockey make? As of Jun 4, 2023, the average annual pay for a Junior Hockey in the United States is $50,242 a year.

Why do people play junior hockey? ›

In conclusion, playing junior hockey can provide aspiring hockey players with numerous benefits, including the opportunity to continue developing their skills, gain exposure to professional scouts, travel and experience new places, and potentially save money on their path to playing at the collegiate level.

Can you play junior hockey and go to college? ›

There are some, very few, players that go directly from high school to the college hockey ranks. However, most players stay in the juniors' program until they age out at 20 years old and then attend college. Some players go on to play NCAA D1 and others NCAA DIII.

What does 5 on 3 mean in hockey? ›

5-on-3. A team can have two players in the penalty box, but can only be limited to three players on the ice at any given time. If the other team is at full strength and the penalized team has two players in the penalty box, plus a goalie in net, the situation is called a Five on three.

What is it called when you score 3 times in hockey? ›

In field hockey and ice hockey, a hat trick occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game. A hat trick in ice hockey, as it is known in its current form, culminates with fans throwing hats onto the ice from the stands.

Why is hockey overtime 3-on-3? ›

The 3-on-3 overtime is designed to create more space on the ice, allowing for more goals to be scored and more games ending in overtime rather than the shootout, similar to the success that the American Hockey League experienced this season.

How do hockey players stop so fast? ›

The sharp edges on hockey skate blades can dig deeply into the ice, allowing a player to accelerate quickly or stop on a dime using the "hockey stop." The friction between the blade and the ice is minimized because the surface of the ice is so slippery, and because only a small portion of the skate's blade is actually ...

Why is hockey so aggressive? ›

There are a number of theories behind the integration of fighting into the game; the most common is that the relative lack of rules in the early history of hockey encouraged physical intimidation and control. Other theories include the poverty and high crime rates of local Canada in the 19th century.

Does hockey help your mental health? ›

Hockey: Improves Brain Function and Alleviates Anxiety

It helps to release endorphins, which – in turn, helps to combat depression, stress and anxiety. In addition to the overall exercise benefits hockey offers, the need to make quick decisions also assists in developing the brain.

Why do I get nervous when competing? ›

Feeling anxious before a major competition is normal. Our fight-or-flight response has helped us humans to survive all these years. Nowadays, it helps us to be ready for a major physical challenge by increasing glucose in our blood and making us feel alert.

Can hockey sense be taught? ›

Hockey sense is the most elusive skill to learn and teach. Many people hold the false belief that players either have hockey sense or they don't.

What is blind ice hockey? ›

Blind Hockey is the same exhilarating, fast-paced sport as Ice Hockey with only one main difference – all of the players are legally blind. Players must be classified as eligible in one of the three International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) classifications.

What is glass hockey? ›

Protecting Both Fans and Players

Firstly, it protects the spectators from getting hit by any line-drive pucks. Flying pucks can cause severe injuries, and installing hockey glass is a sure-fire way to prevent a fan from getting hurt. Hockey glass ensures that the game is not interrupted by keeping the puck in the rink.

What is C and A in hockey? ›

At most levels of play each team must designate one captain and a number of alternate captains (usually two or three) who speak to the officials when the captain is on the bench. Captains wear a "C" on their sweaters, while alternate captains wear an "A".

How much does it cost to play Tier 3 junior hockey? ›

Prices in the $8000 and up range are pricing some players out of being able to play Tier 3.

Is Tier 3 junior hockey worth it? ›

In my opinion yes, just because you play Tier Three Hockey does not mean you're not any good. Some players just want to play competitive hockey for a few more years and there is nothing wrong with it at all.

What does U7 mean in hockey? ›

Under-21 (U21) * The Timbits U7 program is for players under the age of seven as of Dec. 31 of the current playing year (local hockey associations have the option of registering four-year-olds).

Is it hard to play AAA hockey? ›

It takes hard work, a positive attitude and total commitment to be a AAA hockey player. Competing at an elite level in hockey is not easy! It takes a total commitment on your part and support from your family too.

What does Tier 1 mean in hockey? ›

The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL), formerly Midwest Elite Hockey League, is located primarily in the Midwest United States and is the premier amateur youth hockey league in the United States.

Is AHL or ECHL better? ›

The ECHL is a mid-level professional hockey league a tier below the AHL and the only other league besides the only other minor league team besides the AHL that is recognized by the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the National Hockey League Players' Association.

How hard is it to become a NHL player? ›

Each time, the estimated chance is around 5% or less. Further to this, unless you are a generational talent like Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, you could potentially be stuck in junior leagues or minor leagues for your whole career, waiting for all of the pieces to fall into place for an NHL club to call you up.

Has a d3 hockey player ever made it to the NHL? ›

There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the number of d3 hockey players in the NHL can fluctuate from year to year. However, according to a 2017 report by USA Today, there were approximately 60 d3 hockey players in the NHL at that time.

How much does it cost to play AAA hockey in Colorado? ›

Fee in full with registration. 2-Payments - 1/2 with registration, 1/2 due August 20th. 8-Payments - $750 deposit, 6 monthly payments of $1,200 each due May - October, final payment of $1,150 due November 20th.

Can anyone tryout for the NHL? ›

An Amateur tryout (ATO) contract exists in the NHL, the AHL and the ECHL. This type of contract is for players who are leaving college and attempting to turn professional, are done with college or are graduating from the junior leagues.

Is NHL tougher than NFL? ›

Hockey players are often considered to be tougher than football players. They have to deal with more physical contact, and they also have to skate on ice.

How many years does it take to be good at hockey? ›

The reality is, hockey is no different than any other discipline in terms of mastery. The rule of 10,000 applies just the same to hockey as any other sport or skill. If you can put 10,000 hours in, which works out to about 3 hours a day for 10 years, you'll master the sport.

What is below the ECHL? ›

The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams scattered across the United States and Canada. It is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL).

Can a 30 year old make it to the NHL? ›

To be eligible, players must be 18 years old by Sept. 15 and under 20 years old by Dec. 31 in the draft year. However, non-North American players over 20 years old are eligible.

How many years can you play D1 hockey? ›

The NCAA's five-year rule stipulates that a student-athlete cannot compete in any one D1 college sport for more than four seasons. These four seasons must fall within a period of five calendar years.

Has anyone come back from 3-0 hockey? ›

One of the rarest accomplishments in the NHL postseason is a 3-0 series comeback. Ahead of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, 204 teams in NHL history have fallen behind 3-0 in a seven-game series. Nine of those teams were able to force a Game 7 and four completed the comeback for a series win.

How much would a minor league hockey team cost? ›

Minor league and top-level junior hockey franchises range in value, starting at approximately $1 million and increasing to as much as $25 million or higher in some leagues and markets.

Is the AHL pay to play? ›

Yes, ECHL players get paid. ECHL teams are required to pay rookies a minimum salary of $500 per week.

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