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A Note to all Hockey families in WNY

I would like to clarify the new rule pertaining to the competitive designations of “AAA”, “AA”, “A”, as it pertains to USA Hockey and now WNYAHL.

USA Hockey does not recognize these designations until 12U, when teams begin to compete for State or Regional Championships. The WNYAHL has recently adopted the same rules for the league. The 11U and younger age groups will no longer be divided by these designations but will be allowed to compete at the level they are capable of, based upon the strength of their team. Stronger teams will compete against similar strength teams as will average or weaker teams.

The goal of this new format is to help stop movement of players and teams, at the younger ages, in order to play on a more competitive team or at a higher level of play. This should help players stay at rinks closer to their homes when they have a strong coach, good facility and highly competitive team. They can stay together, at the same organization, developing as players and as a team, while being allowed to play at the highest level of play, both in the WNYAHL and the tournaments they choose to attend. Coaches who have been able to develop a strong group of skaters, in their development program, at 4-8 years old, no longer need to move their team to another organization to compete at the highest level they are capable of. Once they get ranked in MY Hockey Rankings the same will apply to the tournaments they attempt to enter because USA Hockey does not recognize competitive designations until the 12U age group.

The emphasis will now be on organizations having strong development programs, attracting strong coaches and running cost efficient programs. Parents no longer need to chase the A’s but make sure their child develops the proper skills, no matter where they play, so they excel at whatever level they play, build confidence, make friends and learn the importance of team play while developing their skills.

John Thur

President

Clarence Mustangs