Junior hockey is typically a stepping stone for young players who wish to advance their hockey careers to the collegiate or professional level. Junior hockey is played through the USA Hockey organization. To ensure fairness across the board, an age rule is strictly enforced. The average age of a junior hockey player varies from year to year based on team's players.
Age Cut-Off
USA Hockey's Junior Program is available to players who are age 20 and younger. Players must be 20 or under as of Dec. 31 of the current season, according to the North American Hockey League website; players must be of high school age or high school graduates to enter the program. Players are required to show proof of age to participate in junior hockey.
Age Classifications
USA Hockey's Junior Program is available in a variety of age classifications. Players aged 18 to 20 years are considered to be in the junior ranks. Players aged 17 and 18 are in the midget 18-and-under category. The midget 16-and-under category is comprised of players aged 15 and 16. The bantam 14-and-under classification comprises players who are 13 and 14. The pee wee 12-and-under category is made up of 11- and 12 -year-olds. Players aged 9 and 10 participate at the squirt level. A mite team is made up of players 8 and younger. There is also a developmental league for players under age 6.
Purpose of Junior Hockey
Junior hockey provides young athletes with the opportunity participate on a team that will provide a greater challenge than their high school or club teams. Players learns the skills necessary to move on to professional and college play. Player development is an important part of junior hockey.
Junior Hockey Goals
USA Hockey has a number of goals for its Junior Program. Players learn how to develop their skills in a supervised environment, according to the NAHL, and learn how to play in a highly competitive environment. Players are also exposed to national and international competition while training with experienced and quality coaches. Junior hockey also provides players with the opportunity to play in front of collegiate and professional recruiters. USA Hockey's Junior Program has launched the careers of many professional hockey players.
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