The NHL has officially returned from its summer break and with it, so has the world of sports. Teams are back at work, and that means fans can rejoice as the regular season is upon us. One of the best parts about the NHL is its relationship with the community. Fans can get involved and support their teams, whether that’s through tickets, charity events or just by showing up and being loud.
But what is ‘peewee’ hockey? And which age group does it cater to?
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Defining ‘Peewee’
If you’re wondering what ‘peewee’ means, it’s short for ‘professional emerging youth’. The name ‘peewee’ was coined in the 1970s when minor hockey came under the jurisdiction of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada (AHAC). Before that, the organization simply called its teams ‘junior hockey’.
The hockey world is a big place, and the Canadian government saw the need to have a dedicated league for the country’s youth. Teams were formed with the purpose of developing talent and promoting amateur sport. The NHL accommodated this shift by starting a new division, the AHL, specifically for players who wanted to continue gaining experience while also playing for a professional team. The league also started a ‘best of three’ playoff format so that amateur hockey players could get the same experience as their professional counterparts.
NHL And AHL Players, Ageless
Many of the players in the AHL are former NHLers who have either decided to continue playing professionally, or have reached the end of their careers. A number of them have been with their respective teams for a while and want to continue giving back to the sport that made them famous.
One of the most famous examples of this is Mario Lemieux. The former Pittsburgh Penguins star has been a part of the AHL for over a decade, and in 2008 he was named the head coach of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Lemieux led the team to four consecutive Stanley Cup wins from 2010-2014.
Another example is Chris Kreider. The 32-year-old currently plays for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He started his professional career in the AHL and had to wait until he was 31 years old to make his debut.
Other Ice Hockey Countries Have Their Own Leagues
Although the AHL is for the most part populated by North American players, it started off with eight teams. The others were from the United Kingdom, Sweden and Finland. In order to keep teams in these other countries relevant, they have formed their own minor hockey leagues. The SEL is the Swedish league, and FINJunior the Finnish league. The Tier 1 Junior League (TI1JL) is the UK’s national league for young players.
Which Age Group Is It Genuinely Competitive?
When people think of hockey, they usually think of kids and teenagers playing in their backyard. But just because the game is a popular pastime among the young doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive at every level.
According to minor hockey expert Jamie McLennan, the answer is no. “Everyone has always seen it as a game for kids and teenagers, but the reality is there is always competition at every level,” he says. “Even if it’s just among the relatives, there is always someone who is going to try and beat the other at something.”
That something can be as basic as who has scored the most goals in a game, or who is the best skater, or who can control the puck the best. It can also be more strategic, like who has the best defensive gameplan or who can throw a mean penalty shot.
In other words, even if you’re not technically a kid anymore, there is still plenty to learn from the pros.
Here’s a look at how the game has evolved over the years, and the benefits of playing at all ages.
Minor Hockey In Its Modern Era
In the 1970s, the idea of developing hockey players was seen as a way for countries that don’t have a big professional league to keep their best players, and to also keep the game alive. And that is exactly what happened. Across the world, smaller leagues popped up and began playing against each other, learning from professionals while also giving kids the opportunity to play at an early age.
“I think it’s important for kids to get started young so they can develop physically and mentally,” McLennan explains. “There are plenty of opportunities for them to get involved with hockey regardless of their age. Whether it’s an after-school club or a travel team, there is always someone who can play.”
One of the big differences nowadays is that hockey isn’t just about winning. There is a strong emphasis placed on individual development and the mentoring of young players. The idea is that by teaching children to skate, handle the puck and work on their defense, they will grow up to be better individuals.
“I think parents are taking a more active role these days in helping their kids develop as players,” McLennan says. “A lot of the leagues have grown a lot in the last few years, which I think is great since it means there is always someone out there who can help your kid improve.”
The Pros Play Too, So Kids Can Learn
Even though there is always competition among the relatives, there is also a sense of camaraderie when the kids get together to play hockey. Especially since they are often also playing for a team or club that they support. This creates an environment where they can learn and grow as players while also having some fun.
“There are always benefits to playing at a young age,” McLennan says. “A lot of the older kids help the younger ones learn the game, and the coaches can also give tips on how to improve as a player. It’s a win-win situation.”
It isn’t just about keeping the sport alive for kids either. In some places where the sport isn’t popular, like Wales, the development league serves as an opportunity to play the game and give it some exposure. This can help build interest and participation in the sport later on in life. In the UK, there are over 60,000 registered players in just one tier of the junior hockey system. With minor hockey growing by 12% annually, it is evident that the UK has a special place in their hearts for hockey.
The Pros Are Better Than The Amateurs
One of the main reasons why kids play hockey is simply because the pros are better than the amateurs. They have more coaching, more practice and they play against tougher competition.
“Hockey isn’t for the faint-hearted,” McLennan admits. “The guys who play in the NHL are usually at the top of their games, and kids quickly learn that if they want to play at this level, they had better be prepared to work hard.”
The pros also have the advantage of being older and having more experience. And while the competition might not be as fierce as with the amateurs, it is an obstacle the kids have to overcome to eventually succeed.
More Girls Than Boys Are Interested In Hockey
In the 1970s, the ratio of men to women interested in hockey was about three to one. These days it is closer to two to one, which is evidence that even those who aren’t necessarily into sports still have an interest in hockey. It is an adaptable game, and with the right coaching, equipment and venues, it is possible to make the sport available to anyone.
“With so much available online these days, it’s easier for kids to get access to information,” McLennan says. “Instead of just going to the nearest rink to play, they can now do research on teams in their area and see if there is an interest in hockey.”
This online research can also help determine which organization is the best fit for the kids, as they can see the resources available from each team and can compare them. If you’re looking for a formalized ice hockey experience, it’s important to look into all of the details before making a decision. From the size of the arena to the type of jersey the players wear, everything can impact the experience of the game. This is why it is wise to do your research online before booking a team for your child.