What Does Aa Hockey Mean? Find Out Now!

Welcome to our guide to AA hockey. If you’re a parent with a child who’s interested in hockey, you may have heard of AA hockey but may not be quite sure what it is. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about AA hockey and whether it’s the right fit for your child.

AA hockey is a level of competitive hockey that’s played across North America. It’s a step above A hockey and is generally considered to be the second-highest level of competition for young hockey players. However, there’s more to AA hockey than just its ranking.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of AA hockey, the difference between AA and A hockey, and whether AA hockey is the right fit for your child. We’ll also take a look at what to expect from AA hockey tryouts, the pros and cons of playing at the AA level, and some success stories of players who’ve gone on to play at the professional level.

If you’re curious about AA hockey and want to learn more, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this exciting level of hockey.

The Origins of Aa Hockey Explained

Ice hockey has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the 1800s in Canada. However, the specific origins of AA hockey are a bit more recent. The first organized AA hockey league in Canada was established in the 1970s, as a way to provide more competitive opportunities for players who weren’t quite at the level of AAA.

As AA hockey gained popularity, it spread to the United States as well. Today, you’ll find AA hockey programs in many regions of the U.S., offering young players a chance to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.

One of the main reasons for the rise of AA hockey is the increasing competitiveness of youth sports in general. As more and more young athletes focus on a single sport year-round, the level of play naturally rises. AA hockey provides a stepping stone for players who are talented and committed, but may not be quite ready for the intensity of AAA.

Despite the relatively recent origins of AA hockey, it has already become a fixture in many communities. With competitive opportunities for players of all levels, it’s no wonder that AA hockey continues to grow in popularity.

The Evolution of Competitive Hockey Tiers

1. Early Days: Competitive hockey in North America has been around for over a century, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that the concept of tiers began to emerge. At this time, leagues started to divide teams into groups based on their skill level, with the goal of ensuring fair competition.

2. The 1950s and 60s: As the popularity of hockey grew, so too did the number of players and teams. This led to an expansion of competitive tiers, with leagues adding additional levels to accommodate the growing number of players. During this time, the concept of “minor” and “major” hockey began to emerge.

3. Modern Day: Today, the competitive tiers of hockey can vary depending on the region and level of play. In North America, the highest tier of youth hockey is typically called “AAA” or “Elite” hockey, followed by “AA” or “Select” hockey, and then “A” or “House” hockey. The tiers for adult leagues can vary even more, with some leagues having multiple levels of AA and A hockey.

Understanding the evolution of competitive hockey tiers can help players and parents navigate the complex world of youth hockey, and ensure they are selecting the right level of play for their skill level and goals.

The Difference Between Aa and A Hockey

If you’re a parent considering enrolling your child in competitive hockey, you may have heard the terms AA and A thrown around, but what exactly is the difference? Here’s what you need to know:

Skill Level: AA is considered a higher level of competitive hockey than A. Players in AA are typically more experienced and skilled, with more rigorous training and practice requirements.

Travel Requirements: One of the main differences between AA and A hockey is the amount of travel required. AA teams often travel greater distances and compete against other top teams from different regions.

Time Commitment: Due to the higher level of competition, AA hockey typically requires a greater time commitment from players and their families. This can include more frequent practices, longer games, and more travel time.

Level of Competition: The level of competition in AA hockey is generally considered to be higher than that of A hockey. This means that AA games and tournaments may be more challenging and intense, and players may need to have a higher level of physical and mental stamina to succeed.

Cost: Finally, it’s worth noting that AA hockey is often more expensive than A hockey. This is due in part to the increased travel and training requirements, as well as the higher level of competition.

Understanding the differences between AA and A hockey can help you make an informed decision about which level of competition is right for your child. Keep in mind that while AA hockey may be more challenging, it may also come with higher costs and time commitments. Consider your child’s skill level, goals, and interests, as well as your family’s schedule and budget, when deciding which level of competition to pursue.

Understanding the Classification System

If you’re new to the world of hockey, the different classifications of teams can be confusing. AA and A are just two of the many categories, but they have important differences that are worth understanding.

The classification system is typically based on a number of factors, including skill level, age, and experience. AA teams are generally considered to be more competitive and advanced than A teams, but this can vary depending on the league and region.

One important thing to note is that the classification system is not standardized across all leagues and regions, so it’s important to research the specifics of your local league. AA teams may be the highest level of competition in some areas, while in others, they may be second to AAA or even AAAA teams.

When it comes to moving between classifications, players may need to try out for a higher level team or be scouted by coaches. In some cases, players may be able to request a move down to a lower level team if they feel that they are not being challenged enough.

Ultimately, understanding the classification system is important for players and parents alike, as it can help you make informed decisions about which teams to join and what level of competition to expect.

Is Aa Hockey Right for Your Child?

Choosing the Right Hockey Level: Choosing the right hockey level for your child can be a daunting task. It is important to take your child’s skill level, physical ability, and desire to play into consideration.

Advantages of Aa Hockey: Aa hockey is a highly competitive level of play that offers many benefits to young players. It allows them to play against high-level competition and develop their skills in a challenging environment.

Disadvantages of Aa Hockey: Aa hockey can be a significant time and financial commitment for both the player and the family. The level of play can also be quite demanding and stressful for young players.

Alternative Options: If Aa hockey is not the right fit for your child, there are many other levels of hockey that they can play. Some children may benefit more from playing in a less competitive environment or at a lower skill level.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Aa Hockey

Player Skill Level: AA hockey is more competitive and demanding than other levels of play, so it’s important to consider whether your child is ready for this challenge.

Time Commitment: AA hockey requires a significant time commitment from both the player and their family. It’s essential to evaluate your family’s schedule and determine whether you can make this level of commitment.

Financial Costs: Playing AA hockey comes with additional costs, such as team fees, equipment expenses, and travel costs. It’s essential to consider your budget and determine whether you can afford these added expenses.

Overall Goals: It’s important to consider your child’s goals and aspirations for playing hockey. If they have dreams of playing at a higher level, AA hockey may be the right choice. However, if they’re simply playing for fun and exercise, a lower level of play may be more suitable.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Aa Hockey

Benefits: Aa hockey provides players with the opportunity to compete at a high level and improve their skills. It allows them to play against top-level competition, which can be challenging and rewarding. Aa teams often have more ice time, better facilities, and experienced coaches.

Drawbacks: Aa hockey can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. The competition can be intense, and the pressure to perform can be high. Travel to games and tournaments can also add to the cost and time commitment. It is essential to consider the child’s abilities and interests before committing to Aa hockey.

Balance: It is essential to find a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of Aa hockey. Parents should consider their child’s abilities, interests, and goals before committing to a higher level of play. Players should be motivated to improve their skills and enjoy playing hockey. It is important to find a program that provides a positive experience for the player, both on and off the ice.

Long-Term Goals: While Aa hockey can provide a great experience, it is important to remember that it is not the only path to success in hockey. Many successful players have come from lower-level programs and developed their skills over time. Parents should keep long-term goals in mind when making decisions about their child’s hockey development.

Aa Hockey: A Parent’s Guide

As a parent, it can be tough to navigate the world of youth hockey, especially when it comes to understanding the different levels of play. If you’re considering enrolling your child in Aa hockey, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what Aa hockey is and how it differs from other levels of play. Secondly, you’ll want to consider whether Aa hockey is the right fit for your child based on their skill level, personality, and goals. Finally, you’ll want to be aware of the potential costs and time commitments associated with Aa hockey.

By taking the time to understand Aa hockey and its benefits and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your child.

What You Need to Know Before Signing Your Child Up for Aa Hockey

Assess Your Child’s Skills: Before signing up for Aa hockey, make sure your child is comfortable with the fundamentals of hockey. Aa is a highly competitive level, and players need to have strong skating, passing, and shooting skills.

Understand the Time Commitment: Aa hockey requires a significant time commitment from both the player and the family. Be prepared to attend multiple practices and games each week, which may require travel.

Consider the Financial Investment: Aa hockey can be expensive, with costs for equipment, registration fees, and travel expenses. Make sure you understand the financial commitment involved and plan accordingly.

What to Expect from Aa Hockey Tryouts

Preparation: Before tryouts, ensure that your child has proper equipment and has been practicing regularly to increase their chances of success. Encourage them to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal before tryouts to improve their performance.

Assessment Process: During tryouts, your child will be evaluated based on various skills such as skating, puck handling, passing, shooting, and game sense. Coaches may also assess their attitude, work ethic, and coachability.

Competition: Your child will be competing against other players of a similar age and skill level for a spot on the team. The competition can be intense, so it’s important to remind them to stay focused, give their best effort, and have fun.

The Tryout Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Registration: Before the tryout, make sure to register your child on time and provide all necessary information.
2. Check-in: On the day of the tryout, arrive early and check in with the organizers. Make sure your child is wearing the appropriate gear and is ready to go.
3. Skills Assessment: Your child will go through a series of drills and exercises to assess their skills, including skating, passing, shooting, and teamwork.
4. Scrimmages: Your child will participate in scrimmages against other players, allowing coaches to assess their game play and ability to work with others.

Remember, the tryout process can be competitive and nerve-wracking, but it’s important to stay positive and encourage your child to do their best. Regardless of the outcome, the experience can be a valuable learning opportunity for both you and your child.

Tips for Navigating the Tryout Experience

• Prepare: Make sure your child is well-rested and properly fueled before tryouts. Arrive early to ensure you have enough time for check-in and any last-minute preparations.
• Stay Positive: Encourage your child to stay focused, give their best effort, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the tryout process. Remind them to stay calm and take deep breaths if they start to feel overwhelmed.
• Be Supportive: Whether your child makes the team or not, let them know that you are proud of their effort and hard work. Offer support and encouragement, and help them identify areas they can improve on for future tryouts or seasons.
• Stay Involved: Stay in communication with the coaches and other parents throughout the tryout process. Attend any parent meetings or information sessions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice concerns.

Remember, the tryout process can be stressful for both you and your child, but with the right preparation and attitude, it can also be a rewarding and positive experience. Keep these tips in mind and stay focused on your child’s growth and development, both on and off the ice.

Aa Hockey: The Pros and Cons

Pros of Aa Hockey: Aa hockey provides players with the opportunity to play at a higher level and improve their skills. The competition is stronger, and players are pushed to work harder and become better athletes. Additionally, playing Aa hockey can open up new doors for players, such as exposure to college and professional scouts.

Cons of Aa Hockey: Aa hockey can be a significant financial and time commitment. Players often have to travel long distances for games and tournaments, and the costs of equipment and registration fees can add up quickly. Additionally, the pressure to perform at a high level can be stressful for players, and the potential for burnout is a concern.

Pros and Cons of Aa Hockey for Parents: As a parent, watching your child play Aa hockey can be a rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to watch your child develop their skills and passion for the game. However, it can also be a significant time and financial commitment, with early morning practices and weekend games taking up a significant portion of your family’s time and resources.

Pros and Cons of Aa Hockey for Coaches: Coaching Aa hockey can be a challenging and rewarding experience. The level of play is higher, and coaches have the opportunity to work with talented and motivated players. However, coaching at this level requires a significant time commitment, with long hours spent at practices and games. Additionally, the pressure to win and perform at a high level can be intense.

The Advantages of Playing Aa Hockey

Improved Skills: One of the most significant advantages of playing AA hockey is the chance to develop your skills as a hockey player. With more experienced coaches and players, AA hockey provides a challenging environment to develop your skills and take your game to the next level.

Competitive Environment: AA hockey is played at a higher level of competition than lower levels of hockey. This competitive environment can be a great motivator for players to push themselves and work harder to improve their game.

Exposure: Playing AA hockey can provide players with increased exposure to scouts and recruiters. This exposure can lead to more opportunities to play at higher levels of hockey, such as junior hockey or even college hockey.

The Potential Downsides of Aa Hockey

• Financial Costs: Aa hockey can be an expensive endeavor, with costs ranging from registration fees, equipment, ice time, and travel expenses for games and tournaments.
• Time Commitment: Aa hockey requires a significant time commitment, with practices and games taking up a substantial amount of time each week, which may conflict with other commitments and activities.
• Intense Pressure: The pressure to perform at a high level can be intense in Aa hockey, with coaches, parents, and teammates often expecting a high level of dedication, skill, and performance from players. This pressure can be overwhelming for some young players.
• Competitive Atmosphere: Aa hockey is highly competitive, and players may feel a sense of pressure to succeed and advance to higher levels of play, which can lead to burnout or feelings of disappointment if they are unable to meet these expectations.

While there are certainly downsides to Aa hockey, many players and families find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision to pursue Aa hockey should be based on the individual needs, goals, and circumstances of each player and family.

How Aa Hockey Compares to Other Competitive Tiers

Introduction: There are several competitive tiers of youth hockey, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your child. In this section, we’ll compare Aa hockey to other competitive tiers and help you make an informed decision.

Competition Level: Aa hockey is considered a high-level of competition, and is often compared to AAA and Junior hockey in terms of skill level. It is generally a step above A-level hockey, which is considered more of a recreational league.

Time Commitment: Aa hockey requires a significant time commitment from both players and their families. Practices and games often occur several times a week, and players may be required to travel to compete against teams from other areas.

Cost: Aa hockey is often more expensive than A-level hockey due to the higher level of competition, more extensive travel, and additional ice time. However, it is generally less expensive than AAA hockey, which often requires players to move away from home to join a team.

From Aa Hockey to the Pros: Success Stories

Introduction: While not every player who joins Aa hockey dreams of going pro, there are some who use this level of competition as a stepping stone to the next level. Here are some success stories of players who started their journey in Aa hockey and made it all the way to the pros.

Tyler Johnson: Johnson grew up playing hockey in Washington state and played Aa hockey in the Western Hockey League. He was undrafted but signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has since won a Stanley Cup with the team and has become a key player.

Jonathan Marchessault: Marchessault played Aa hockey in Quebec before joining the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He went undrafted but was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has since played for several other NHL teams and was a key player in the Vegas Golden Knights’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018.

Brendan Gallagher: Gallagher played Aa hockey in British Columbia before joining the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Montreal Canadiens and has become one of the team’s top players.

Andy Greene: Greene played Aa hockey in Michigan before joining Miami University in Ohio. He went undrafted but was signed by the New Jersey Devils. He has played over 1,000 games in the NHL and has been a captain for the Devils and the New York Islanders.

Patrick Maroon: Maroon played Aa hockey in Missouri before joining the St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League. He went undrafted but signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. He has since played for several other NHL teams and has won three Stanley Cups, one with the Tampa Bay Lightning and two with the St. Louis Blues.

Conclusion: These success stories show that it is possible to make it to the pros from Aa hockey. While it may not be the most common path, hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck can help players reach their goals. Aa hockey can provide a valuable experience for players looking to improve their skills and take their game to the next level.

Former Aa Hockey Players Who Made It to the NHL

Jonathan Toews: Toews played for the Winnipeg Monarchs AA team before being drafted third overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and has been named an NHL All-Star five times.

Shea Weber: Weber played for the Sicamous Eagles AA team before being drafted 49th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He is a seven-time NHL All-Star and has been named a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman three times.

Jamie Benn: Benn played for the Peninsula Eagles AA team before being drafted 129th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He is a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer in the 2014-15 season.

Patrice Bergeron: Bergeron played for the Sillery Panthers AA team before being drafted 45th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He is a four-time Selke Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defensive forward and has won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins twice.

Brad Marchand: Marchand played for the Dartmouth AA team before being drafted 71st overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He is a two-time NHL All-Star and has won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins twice.

Success Stories of Aa Hockey Players in College and Beyond

Playing Aa hockey can open doors beyond the high school level. Many former Aa players have gone on to play in college, often earning scholarships to do so. These players have been able to continue developing their skills while earning a degree. Some have even gone on to play professionally in the minor leagues or overseas.

A few notable Aa hockey alumni include Chris Kunitz, who played Aa hockey in Saskatchewan before going on to win four Stanley Cup championships in the NHL, and Derek Ryan, who played Aa hockey in Alberta before playing college hockey and eventually making it to the NHL. Other Aa alumni who have gone on to successful college or pro careers include Ryan Suter, T.J. Oshie, and Blake Wheeler.

Playing Aa hockey also provides opportunities for exposure to college coaches and recruiters. College hockey programs are always looking for talented players, and many Aa players have caught the attention of college coaches and scouts at showcases, tournaments, and games.

Beyond college and professional hockey, Aa hockey players develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and work ethic that can serve them well in any career they choose to pursue. The dedication and discipline required to succeed in Aa hockey can translate to success in any field.

What Sets Successful Aa Hockey Players Apart

Dedication: Successful Aa hockey players are often the ones who are most dedicated to their craft. They show up to practice early, stay late, and work on their skills outside of scheduled team activities.

Work Ethic: Players who are willing to put in the extra effort and work hard both on and off the ice tend to be more successful. They understand that success doesn’t come easy and are willing to push themselves to achieve their goals.

Mental Toughness: Hockey is a physically and mentally demanding sport, and successful Aa players are often those who are mentally tough. They are able to stay focused and composed under pressure, handle setbacks and adversity, and remain determined to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions