Hockey CanadaBC HockeyHockey AlbertaHockey SaskHockey ManitobaHockey Northwestern OntarioOntario Hockey FederationHockey Easern OntarioQuebec Hockey NetworkHockey New BrunswickHockey PEIHockey Nova ScotiaHockey NLHockey North

Photo Credit: Epic Photography Photo

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.

Beginning with the 2024-25 season, Hockey Alberta is aligning elite hockey across the province, expanding AA hockey to be operated by the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL). AA Hockey is operating within the AEHL to enhance the synergies between AA and AAA hockey in all categories, raise the level of AA programming and standardize AA league operations across the province, with the goal of continuing to improve player experience for athletes in Alberta.

AA Hockey Regulations >

Elite Male Pathway >

AA Recruitment Area Operating Standards >

U11 AA >

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 Tryout Process

Step 1: Determine the AA Recruitment Area in which you reside and consult with your resident Minor Hockey Association on its AA tryout process.

  1. Unsure of your resident AA Recruitment Area?
    • View the AA Hockey Model (link to the Model).
  2. Looking to begin your AA tryout process in another Elite Draw Zone?

Step 2: Register for tryouts with your Resident AA Recruitment Area/Team (or AA Recruitment Area approved by the AA Hockey Committee).

  • Players are no longer required to submit a Notification of Tryout form.
  • AA Recruitment Areas are responsible for communicating with the Minor Hockey Associations in their Recruitment Area regarding players trying out for their teams.

Step 3: Attend your first AA Tryout.

Step 4: If applicable, arrange for a second AA tryout, based on the following:

A. 17/16-year-olds (U18 age division): If you are a 17 or 16-year-old player released from your initial U18 AA tryout, you are permitted to arrange one (1) additional U18 AA tryout with an association in need of players.

  • You must contact your AA League Governor to arrange the second tryout.
  • If you are released from your second U18 AA tryout, you must proceed to tiered hockey.

B. 15-year-olds (U18 age division): If you are a 15-year-old player released from your initial U18 AA tryout, you must proceed to U16 AA in your resident AA Recruitment Area (or AA Recruitment Area approved by the AA Hockey Committee).

C. 15-year-olds (U16 age division): If you are a 15-year-old released from your initial U16 AA tryout, you are permitted to arrange one (1) additional U16 AA tryout with an association in need of players.

  • You must contact your AA League Governor to arrange the second tryout.
  • If you are released from your second U16 AA tryout, you must proceed to tiered hockey.

D. 14/13-year-olds (U15 age division): If you are a 14 or 13-year-old player, and you are released from your initial U15 AA tryout, you are permitted to arrange one (1) additional U15 AA tryout with an association in need of players.

  • You must contact your AA League Governor to arrange the second tryout.
  • If you are released from your second U15 AA tryout, you must proceed to tiered hockey.

E. 12/11-year-olds (U13 age division): If you are a 12 or 11-year-old player released from your initial U13 AA tryout, you are permitted to arrange one (1) additional U13 AA tryout with an association in need of players.

  • You must contact your AA League Governor to arrange the second tryout.
  • If you are released from your second U13 AA tryout, you must proceed to tiered hockey.

AEHL AA League Contacts >

Hockey Alberta