Is Tier 1 or Tier 3 better hockey?
In the United States, there are 3 "Tiers" of Junior hockey. Tier 1 is the top level and, as of right now, the USHL is the ONLY Tier 1 Junior hockey league. Though, in my opinion, the talent level isn't the "best of the best", it is the American equivalent to Canadian Major Juniors -- the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.
Teams at the Tier I level pay for all costs involved with playing, including equipment and housing. Players in the NAHL pay for housing and some equipment. Tier III is pay-to-play and costs for billeting, ice time and coaching vary depending on location of the franchise.
The United States has a clear winner for it's top junior league, the USHL, as it's the only Tier 1 USA Hockey sanctioned junior league in the country.
Tier 1. The Tier I program is a player development concept designed to become the best amateur hockey league in the world which will attract the top 16-20 year-old players and further develop its players, coaches, and officials through the highest level of competition.
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.
At each youth hockey age group, there are three distinct classifications: B/BB, A/AA and AAA. B or BB (House) is a recreational level with the following requirements. A or AA (Tier 2) is a competitive level with the following requirements. AAA (Tier 1) is a competitive level with the following requirements.
AGE CLASSIFICATIONS AND LEVELS OF PLAY
USA Hockey designates four skill levels: Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA" Tier 2: also called "AA" or "A". Tier 3: may also be called Recreational/Developmental: Includes house league and select.
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.
old) age groups, A1 is the highest level of hockey we offer. In order to play at this level, your child must participate in the tryout process. What is the time commitment of A1 hockey? This varies from team to team, but on average, A1 teams practice twice per week on top of participating in league games.
At each youth hockey age group, there are three distinct classifications: B/BB, A/AA and AAA. For example, in the Squirt age group the "A" classification is 9 years old and the "AA" is for 10 year olds. Many large organizations and leagues, especially Tier 1, tend to use the two-year window allowed for each age group.
What are the different levels of youth hockey?
- Hockey 1 to 4: Age 6-9.
- Atom: Age 9-10.
- Pee Wee: Age 11-12.
- Bantam: Age 13-14.
- Midget: Age 15-17.
- Juvenile: Age 18-19.
The USHL is the highest level of Junior Hockey in the United States. Its teams compete annually for the Clark Cup.
AAA hockey is absolutely worth it, provided you can afford it, and you join the right program. AAA will instill you with a great work ethic that will stay with you for life while turning you into a better player. AAA is a great stepping stone to help reach your hockey dreams, whatever they may be.
