Male Elite Hockey Information

AA Hockey

AA Hockey allows for the development of athletes in the "competitive" system within Hockey Alberta at a regional level, acting as a “feeder system” for elite hockey. Player opportunity and movement is done in recognition of the needs of the player and the MHAs involved. AA Hockey recognizes and supports that each athlete has the right to consider his/her options and should be provided the opportunity to access a level of hockey that is consistent with the skill level of each player.

The principles of AA Hockey are as follows:

  • The best philosophy for developing players is to create an environment where similarly skilled players are able to compete together and against each other. This AA Hockey Model provides a structure where players are provided the opportunity to access the level of hockey they are capable of playing.
  • A standardized province-wide system of hockey that creates a competitive balance at the U13, U15 and U18 levels. It provides players with a developmental system that focuses on skill development and acts as a "feeder" system bridging the gap between grassroots hockey and elite (AAA) hockey.
  • A "Regionalized" Hockey System that provides opportunities for players to access the AA level of hockey within a reasonable distance of travel from their Resident LMHA. The AA Hockey Model is designed to balance the needs of the player with that of the LMHA and family.
  • The AA Model uses established criteria to determine the appropriate number of teams within the province as well as the terms and conditions under which these teams operate. Identified AA Teams provide opportunities for all the players within their "Recruitment Area".
  • The AA Hockey Model is the only system of hockey at this particular level within Alberta and is designed to provide an option for players without negatively impacting the local Minor Hockey Associations with respect to player movement of provincial categorization.

AA exists at U11, U13, U15, U16 & U18 age divisions.

NSMHA is within the Beaumont Athletic Club Recruitment Area for the AA Stream.

AAA Hockey

The Elite Male Hockey Model provides guidance and direction so that players have opportunity and movement options available to meet their needs as well as that of the teams involved. The most significant principle of the model is the agreement that, at all times, everyone will act in the best interest of the athlete and work to provide them with the ability to play at the highest level they can attain. The Elite Male Hockey Model further recognizes and supports the fact that each athlete has the right to consider all options.

AAA exists at U13, U15, U17 & U18 age divisions.

NSMHA is within the recruitment areas below:

U13 AAA: Beaumont Athletic Club

U15AAA & above: Leduc Junior Athletic Club