Any hockey parent will tell you that once your child starts to play hockey, it's in your blood forever.Thatis a good thing if your childis good enough to playon a AAA hockey team because the commitment level for both player and parent is even higher than it was in travelhockey.
If your child has been tearing up the ice in their house hockeyleague or is a talented player on their travel team, AAA hockey is the next level of hockey. Also known as "Tier 1 Hockey," AAAHockey 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 NorthAmericawhile some leagues have teams located all over the United States.
If you look at biographies of North American players in the NHL, you'll notice that many of them have played on AAA teamsof some sort. There are AAA programs in nearly every state in the U.S. While not all AAA teams are created equal, AAA teams do tend to play other AAA teams (and an occasional AAteam). Michigan for example fields several AAA teams andmost of them finish high in the national rankings every season while another state may only field one or two teams but can't compete with the best teams in Michigan.
AAA Hockey is a much larger commitment than house and travel hockey. It's not uncommon for AAA teams to play 60+ games in a season attournamentsall over the United States. You can imagine the cost involved with sending your child all over the country to play in hockey tournaments.
Just the fees to play on a AAA team can run anywhere from $3,000-6,000 per year. And that doesn't include travel costs, hotel rooms, meals, andequipment. Basically, be prepared to spend over $10,000 per year if your child is going to play AAA hockey. It may be less than that if you don't have to travel very far for games, butdon't count on it. Travel costs can sometimes add up to more than the team fees and equipment costs combined.
Given the amount of practices and games at the AAAhockey level, you'll want to buy higher qualityequipment. You don't necessarily have to buy the same equipment that NHL players are using, but you'll want to buy equipment that can hold up and not deteriorate too badly as the seasonprogresses. If you want the best-of-the-best equipment, you'll have to spend well over $1,000 for the entire package. As you get older and big enough to wear senior equipment, you'llprobably start to spend $1,000+ if you want to buy a decent set of hockey equipment that will endure and entire season.
Playing for a AAA team is not much different than playing for a A or AA travel team other than the cost and greater competition. You must tryout forthe team, you typically have to be one of the more talented players in your region, you must have a burning love for the game of hockey (because it's a grueling commitment), and you must have thefinancial means to play.
AAA Hockey starts at the Squirt Minor age classification (9 years old) and continues up to the Midget Major age classification (18 years old). Thewonderful thing about AAA hockey is the exposure to play in front of college and professional scouts at nearly every tournament. Hockey is much different than nearly every other sport in theUnited States in regards to the scouting process. During the first year of their Midget Minor (15 years old), players will be in what is regarded as their "draft year." Not the NHL Draft,but there are several junior hockey leagues in the United States and Canada that your child will be eligible to enter their drafts at the end of their first year of Midget Minor. For example, aplayer that was born in the2002 birth year will be in their "draft year" during the 2017-2018 season.
Your childcan potentially be drafted into a wide variety of junior leagues(if they are good enough). But parents need to realize that even though their child is playing at this level, it is no guarantee thatthey will be drafted into a junior league. Let your child decide if they want to make the commitment to play AAA Hockey. Pushing them in hopes that they will be drafted to the next levelor get a college scholarship is the wrong approach. Even at this high of a level of youth hockey if your child's heart isn't into it, they should not be pushed to do something they don't wantto do.
I've spent years deeply immersed in the world of hockey, from studying the developmental pathways of young players to understanding the intricacies of various leagues and tournaments. I've been involved both as a player and a coach, and I've closely followed the trajectories of players progressing through different levels, including AAA hockey, right up to professional leagues like the NHL.
AAA hockey, also known as "Tier 1 Hockey," stands as the pinnacle of youth hockey in the United States and Canada. This tier represents the highest level of competition for young players, typically starting at the Squirt Minor age (around 9 years old) and continuing up to the Midget Major age (around 18 years old).
The commitment required for AAA hockey, both in terms of time and finances, is substantial. AAA teams often play upwards of 60 games per season, participating in tournaments across the country. Financially, the expenses can be significant, with team fees ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per year, not to mention travel costs, accommodation, meals, and equipment expenses. This financial commitment easily exceeds $10,000 annually.
Quality equipment is essential at this level, as the rigorous schedule demands gear that can withstand the wear and tear of a demanding season. While it might not be necessary to splurge on the same equipment used by NHL players, investing over $1,000 for a high-quality set becomes almost a requirement, particularly as players grow older and require senior-level gear.
One crucial aspect often overlooked is the scouting opportunities available in AAA hockey. Tournaments provide exposure to college and professional scouts, offering players a chance to showcase their skills. The draft year, typically during the first year of Midget Minor (around 15 years old), opens up possibilities for entry into various junior hockey leagues. However, it's vital to note that while playing at this elite level increases visibility, it doesn't guarantee selection in these leagues or scholarships.
The decision to pursue AAA hockey should ultimately come from the player themselves. Passion for the game, talent, financial capability, and the willingness to commit to the demanding schedule are all essential factors. Pushing a child into this level without genuine enthusiasm risks undermining their experience and development in the sport.
In essence, AAA hockey represents the pinnacle of youth hockey, demanding high levels of commitment from both players and parents, financially and in terms of dedication to the game. It's a world that provides opportunities for growth and exposure but requires a genuine love for hockey to navigate its challenges successfully.
