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Tag: womens-hockey

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College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Women’s DI Hockey Polls & Rankings: A Clearer Look

Over the past few weeks, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with the two major weekly polls in women’s Division I college hockey. Because I track nearly all 45 DI teams closely, I have a pretty strong feel for each team’s true performance level. Yet after weekends filled with upsets or narrow wins over weaker opponents, I’m continually surprised by how certain teams — and some conferences — appear to be ranked higher than expected. While the NPI (see below for detailed explanation) is objective and used for at-large playoff selections, it also isn’t perfect.

As a result, I decided to apply my own analytics to create a new, objective Champs App ranking for DI women’s hockey. But before sharing that system, here’s a breakdown of the current major polls and ranking models.

🔢 Three Types of Ratings: Subjective vs. Objective

Women’s DI hockey currently uses three major rating systems, which fall into two categories:

  • Subjective (human-voted):
    • USCHO.com Poll
    • USA Hockey / AHCA Poll
  • Objective (mathematical):
    • NCAA Power Index (NPI) — now the official NCAA selection metric
    • PairWise Ranking (PWR) — the legacy system, replaced by NPI

Below is a clear summary of how each poll or model works.

1. USCHO.com Poll (Subjective)

The USCHO.com poll is a traditional, human-voted ranking composed of sportswriters, broadcasters, and coaches. Neither the list of voters nor their individual ballots are published.

PROS

Contextual Judgment

  • Captures elements no algorithm can quantify: the “eye test,” injuries, momentum, travel fatigue, and lineup changes.

Media Relevance

  • Drives debate, fan engagement, and weekly storylines.

Focus on Current Form

  • Voters can quickly adjust for hot streaks or slumps, sometimes more rapidly than data-based systems.

CONS

Lack of Transparency

  • No published criteria. Voters have full discretion, making results unpredictable and unauditable.

Inconsistency and Bias

  • Subject to inertia (teams maintaining rank despite bad losses) and regional bias. It’s not difficult to guess which conferences receive the benefit of the doubt.

Weak Tournament Predictor

  • Often diverges significantly from the objective NPI used to select NCAA tournament teams.

2. USA Hockey / AHCA Poll (Subjective)

This weekly poll is conducted by USA Hockey in partnership with the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA).

Methodology

  • Human-voted, similar to USCHO.
  • Voters include coaches and journalists from all NCAA women’s hockey conferences.
  • Rankings are based on total points from submitted ballots.

While it provides valuable insight from actual DI coaches, it shares the same challenges as USCHO:

  • Only 19 voters
  • No transparency into who they are or how they vote
  • Susceptible to the same regional biases and subjective inconsistencies

The coexistence of two separate human polls does help smooth out extreme opinions — and when they differ noticeably, it signals a lack of consensus that adds useful context that a single mathematical model cannot provide.

3. NCAA Power Index (NPI) and PairWise (PWR) (Objective)

The NCAA Power Index has fully replaced PairWise as the official NCAA tournament selection tool. NPI is a streamlined, strength-of-schedule-driven model that uses an opponent-based rating system and assigns bonuses for beating highly rated teams.

PROS

Pure Objectivity

  • Removes human bias. Rankings come directly from win percentage and opponent strength, based on a fully transparent formula.

Improved Strength-of-Schedule (SOS)

  • Uses opponents’ NPI ratings directly, replacing the more convoluted RPI components of the old PairWise system.

Rewards Quality Wins

  • Includes a Quality Win Bonus (QWB) for beating strong opponents — and importantly does not penalize teams for beating weaker opponents (a major flaw of old RPI).

CONS

No Contextual Adjustments

  • Ignores coaching changes, injuries, goalie slumps, or roster disruptions that human voters naturally account for.

Occasional Mathematical Oddities

  • Any complex model can produce counterintuitive outcomes in specific cases.

Self-Referencing Structure

  • Because a team’s NPI depends on opponents’ NPI — which depends on their opponents — the calculation must be iterated to find a stable solution.

NPI Statistical Engine (Simplified)

  • 25%: Win Percentage
  • 75%: Opponents’ NPI (Strength of Schedule)
  • Quality Win Bonus (QWB): Extra credit for beating high-NPI teams
  • Bad Win Treatment: Mechanisms to remove or neutralize extremely low-value wins
  • Strength-of-Schedule (SOS): Directly uses opponents’ final NPI rating for a cleaner, more intuitive strength measure

🔜 What’s Next

In the next post, I’ll introduce the Champs App proposal for two new objective ranking models:

  1. A simplified, transparent Strength-of-Schedule Index
  2. An ELO-based model similar to the systems used in chess and tennis

Both provide intuitive, statistically robust alternatives to today’s polls — without the subjectivity of human rankings.

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2025 College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Your NCAA Women’s Hockey Recruitment Video: What Coaches REALLY Want to See

Aspiring to play NCAA women’s hockey? Your recruitment video is a key piece of the puzzle, but what exactly are college coaches looking for? We recently surveyed both D1 and DIII women’s hockey coaches for their specific video-submission preferences to give you the inside scoop. Forget the guesswork – here’s what you need to know to make your video stand out.

Keep It Concise: Less Than 6 Minutes is Key

First and foremost, keep your video submission under 6 minutes. Coaches are busy, and a succinct, impactful video is far more likely to be watched in its entirety. This isn’t the time for a lengthy highlight reel; focus on quality over quantity.

Video: Helpful, But Not the Only Factor

While your video is “somewhat important,” coaches emphasized that it’s helpful but not critical for their initial evaluation. Think of it as a strong supporting document that complements your athletic profile and academic achievements. It’s a tool to get you noticed, not the sole determinant of your recruitment.

What Kind of Footage Do They Prefer?

This is where many players go wrong. Coaches overwhelmingly prefer full game shift-by-shift footage with selected shifts from multiple games (e.g., 10-15 shifts). They want to see you in real-game scenarios, demonstrating your hockey sense and decision-making under pressure.

What to avoid? Tightly edited highlight reels with just goals or flashy plays. Coaches want to see the full sequence of play, not just the spectacular finish. This provides a much more accurate representation of your abilities.

How to Submit Your Video

The preferred methods for submission are straightforward: YouTube, Hudl, or Instat. Providing a profile/channel link or a direct email attachment (e.g., an .mp4 file) are both acceptable. Note: Coaches made it clear that they will almost always watch your videos via another service if you’re already in that system.

When to Submit

Consistency is important. Aim to submit new video during recruiting season every 1-3 months. This keeps coaches updated on your progress and reminds them of your interest.

Special Considerations for Goalies

Goalies, pay close attention! Coaches want to see a mix of both full games and a highlight reel. Critically, they prefer gameplay highlights over practice sessions. When it comes to the content, they’re looking for a breadth of skills, including:

  • Rebound control
  • Puck handling
  • Odd Man Rushes
  • Net Front Scrambles
  • High Danger Shots

Perhaps the most surprising insight for goalies: coaches find it helpful to show clips where you let in a goal but demonstrate strong fundamentals. This shows resilience, good technique even in challenging situations, and provides a more realistic assessment of your abilities than only showing perfect saves.

In Summary:

  • Length: Under 4 minutes.
  • Importance: Helpful, but not critical for initial evaluation.
  • Content: Full game shift-by-shift with selected shifts from multiple games (20-30 shifts). Full sequence clips, not just highlights.
  • Method: YouTube/Hudl/Instat link or direct email attachment. But know that coaches will review their own subscriptions service like Hudl/Instat to watch your footage.
  • Frequency: Every 1-3 months during recruiting season.
  • Goalies: Mix of full games & highlight reel, game play preferred, include clips demonstrating strong fundamentals even if a goal is scored.

By following these guidelines, you can create a recruitment video that truly resonates with Division 1 women’s hockey coaches and helps you take the next step in your athletic journey. Good luck!

READ MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

How to Create Player Videos for Recruiting

What Are The 3 Types of Recruiting Videos Coaches Want to See?

Creating Player Videos: Sourcing Game Footage For Highlight Reels

Creating Player Videos: How to Edit Video for Recruiting Highlight Reels

Creating Player Videos: Where to Post Your Recruiting Highlight Reels

🚨Champs App Profile 2.0 is Here – With Videos, References & More!

🎥 Upload Videos Directly

No need to upload to YouTube first! Just drag and drop video files straight into your profile. You can now also add Vimeo links in addition to YouTube.

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2025 Champs

🚨Champs App Profile 2.0 is Here – With Videos, References & More!

We’re excited to introduce Champs App Profile 2.0 – a major upgrade to your already BEAUTIFUL and FREE profile on Champs App.

Whether you’re a player, parent, team coach, development coach, advisor, or agent, your profile just got more powerful.

Here’s what’s new:

🎥 Upload Videos Directly

No need to upload to YouTube first! Just drag and drop video files straight into your profile. You can now also add Vimeo links in addition to YouTube.

🤝 Add Trusted References

You can now list coaches, advisors, or other contacts as references—with their permission. You control who sees them with new privacy settings.

📅 Smarter Scheduling

Add event times and locations separately, and mark events as TBD when plans aren’t finalized yet.

📊 Elite Prospects Integration

Got an EP profile? Just paste your URL to import your stats. You can also add your EP profile to your social links section.

Sign in and update your profile using the new features!

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2025 Women's Hockey

NCAA Dominance Shines at the 2025 PWHL Draft: A Look at the Top Programs

Last week, the hockey world turned its attention to the highly anticipated 2025 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Draft, held on June 24th. As the league continues to solidify its place as the premier destination for elite female talent, the draft provided a fascinating snapshot of where the next generation of stars are coming from. Unsurprisingly, NCAA Division I programs once again proved to be the powerhouse pipeline, alongside a strong showing from European leagues.

Leading the charge in player development was Ohio State University, which saw an impressive six of its athletes selected, showcasing the strength and depth of their program. Close behind, the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) celebrated five of its own making the leap to professional ranks, reinforcing their consistent high-level output.

Quinnipiac University had a phenomenal draft, with four players hearing their names called, a testament to their growing influence in women’s hockey. Following them with three draftees each were Clarkson University, the University of Minnesota, and St. Cloud State University, highlighting the continued excellence across multiple conferences.

The draft also recognized talent emerging from beyond North American collegiate play, with three players selected directly from European leagues, emphasizing the global reach of the PWHL.

Further contributing to the NCAA’s robust representation, a strong contingent of programs each had two players drafted: Boston University, Colgate, Cornell, Penn State, Providence, St. Lawrence, UConn, and Wisconsin. Rounding out the selections were Boston College, Mercyhurst, Northeastern, and Yale, each celebrating one draftee.

Please note: The numbers above reflect the last college or university the drafted player attended. Schools like Wisconsin, Penn State, New Hampshire and Brown had drafted players transfer out prior to this past season.

Categories
2025 Coaching Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Who Will Replace Brian Idalski as Head Coach of St. Cloud State Women’s Hockey?

St. Cloud State Women's Hockey

With the surprise announcement that Brian Idalski will be leaving St. Cloud State to become the inaugural head coach of PWHL Vancouver, the Huskies face a critical decision. Idalski helped elevate the program’s competitiveness in the WCHA during his tenure, and his successor will be tasked with maintaining that upward trajectory. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates to take the reins—and how their credentials stack up in 2025.

After successfully including Courtney Kessel in our list of candidates for the Princeton head coaching role, let’s see how we do on this analysis:

🔝 Leading Contenders

Jinelle Zaugg‑Siergiej

  • Current Role: Associate Head Coach, St. Cloud State (2019–present)
  • Why She’s a Top Choice:
    A silver medalist with Team USA (2010) and two-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin, Zaugg‑Siergiej has been a steady hand behind the bench for the past six seasons. She knows the program inside and out, has strong relationships with current players and recruits, and would provide continuity at a time of transition. She has never been a head coach, but she’s well-positioned to step up.

Mira Jalosuo

  • Current Role: Assistant Coach, PWHL Minnesota (2023–present)
  • Why She’s a Top Choice:
    After spending the 2022–23 season as an assistant at St. Cloud, the Finnish Olympian joined Ken Klee’s staff in the PWHL and helped guide Minnesota to back-to-back Walter Cup championships. Known for her defensive acumen and elite playing background, Jalosuo brings both credibility and a championship mentality. Her return would inject high-level tactical knowledge and energy into the program.

Molly Engstrom

  • Current Role: Head Coach, University of Maine (since 2022)
  • Why She’s a Top Choice:
    A former assistant at St. Cloud State (2018–2022) and two-time U.S. Olympian, Engstrom has transformed Maine into a defensively responsible team. She was one of three finalists for the St. Cloud State job in 2022 before Idalski was ultimately hired. Her success at Maine and familiarity with SCSU make her a very attractive candidate—if she’s interested in returning.

Erik Strand

  • Current Role: Assistant Coach, University of Vermont (since May 2025)
  • Why He’s a Top Choice:
    Strand was also a finalist for the SCSU head coach role in 2022. Prior to joining Vermont, he spent 10 years as head coach at UW–Eau Claire, guiding the DIII program to consistent success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and conference championships. A veteran of player development and known for his high-character leadership, Strand is ready for the Division I spotlight.

🔁 Long-Shot Options

Jeff Giesen

  • Current Role: Associate Head Coach, Minnesota State
  • Why He’s Notable:
    Giesen was St. Cloud State’s head coach from 2006 to 2014, leading the team through eight seasons. While he’s been at Minnesota State for nearly a decade, his familiarity with the Huskies’ program and the WCHA landscape gives him a theoretical path back—though it’s unclear whether he’s looking for a return to head coaching.

Britni Smith

  • Current Role: Head Coach, Syracuse (since 2022)
  • Why She’s Notable:
    A former Clarkson assistant and Hockey Canada coach, Smith has turned around Syracuse’s program in the CHA. While she’s respected as a rising leader, her current commitment at Syracuse may keep her focused out east.

Nick Carpenito

  • Current Role: Associate Head Coach, Northeastern
  • Why He’s Notable:
    A key architect of Northeastern’s success over the past decade, Carpenito is highly respected in NCAA circles. A jump to head coach in the WCHA would be a bold but potentially rewarding move—for both sides.

Greg May

  • Current Role: Associate Head Coach, Minnesota (joined July 2023)
  • Former Augsburg University DIII Head Coach (Sept 2021–July 2023), where he led the team to back-to-back NCAA Division III appearances and MIAC titles with a 41–15–2 record
  • Named an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Women’s U18 National Team
  • Why He’s Notable: Proven leadership at DIII and college program building. Now adding national-team experience. A fresh, well-rounded external hire.

Dan Koch

  • Current Role: Assistant Coach, University of Wisconsin
  • Why He’s Notable:
    Koch has spent years in the powerhouse Wisconsin program, developing elite players. Like others on this list, he’d represent a fresh external hire with deep knowledge of what winning programs look like.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Familiarity or Fresh Blood?

St. Cloud State has no shortage of qualified candidates, and their decision may ultimately come down to priorities:

  • If the goal is continuity, promoting Zaugg‑Siergiej or recruiting Jalosuo back from the pros makes the most sense.
  • If the program seeks a proven leader, Engstrom or Strand—both past finalists—are strong, familiar names with NCAA and program-building experience.
  • For a bold shake-up, external hires like Carpenito, Smith, or Koch could introduce a new culture and broader recruiting reach.

Whoever takes over will inherit a program on the rise and a passionate fanbase eager for sustained WCHA and NCAA success.

Categories
2025 Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Who Will Be the Next Head Coach of Princeton Women’s Ice Hockey?

Last week, Princeton University officially posted the job opening to replace longtime Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach, Cara Morey. Morey, who had helmed the program since 2017, has accepted a new opportunity as the General Manager of the newly formed PWHL Vancouver franchise. Her departure marks the end of a significant era at Princeton, and the search is now underway for her successor.

The next head coach of the Tigers will almost certainly have deep ties to the Ivy League — if not Princeton itself. With the unique demands of balancing elite athletics and academics, experience within this system is not just preferred; it’s practically essential.

A number of qualified candidates already stand out as possible hires, and several have previously been part of the Princeton program.

Shelly Picard is a prominent contender. Currently an assistant coach at Long Island University, Picard served as a Princeton assistant coach from 2021 to 2023. A former U.S. National Team player, Picard combines elite playing experience with Ivy familiarity, and her recent time with Princeton gives her valuable insight into the current roster and culture.

Jamie Lundmark, Princeton’s current Director of Player Development and Assistant Coach since the 2023-24 season, could be an internal hire. A former NHL forward, Lundmark has already earned the trust of the current team and staff. While his Ivy League experience is limited, his presence in the program could provide needed continuity after Morey’s departure.

Another compelling candidate is Kelly Nash, currently the Head Coach at Long Island University. Nash was an assistant at Princeton from 2017 to 2019, playing a key role in the program’s growth during that period. With recent head coaching experience and a past connection to the university, she checks many of the right boxes.

Mel Ruzzi, now the Head Coach at Brown University, also brings a strong resume. She served as an assistant at Princeton from 2019 to 2021 before taking the helm at Brown, where she’s made steady progress. Her current Ivy League head coaching experience could be a significant asset in the selection process.

Lee-J Mirasolo, the current Head Coach at Stonehill College, has a long history with Princeton as an assistant from 2011 to 2015. She also spent nearly a decade at Harvard. Mirasolo’s combination of head coaching experience and extensive Ivy knowledge could make her a strong fit.

Edith Racine, Associate Head Coach at Cornell since 2009, brings over 18 years of Ivy League coaching experience. Though she has never coached at Princeton, her long tenure at Cornell — and previous time at Brown — demonstrates her deep understanding of the Ivy hockey landscape.

Among the longer shots, two names stand out. Courtney Kessel, who recently took over as Head Coach of the PWHL Boston franchise, was Princeton’s assistant coach from 2019 to 2023. While her new pro role might make her unavailable, she’d be a dream hire if interested. Jeff Kampersal, now at Penn State and formerly Princeton’s head coach for over two decades (1996–2017), also fits the mold — but a return seems unlikely.

With such a strong pool of candidates who know the Ivy League inside and out, Princeton is well-positioned to find a leader who can build on Morey’s legacy and continue to elevate the Tigers on and off the ice.

Categories
Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

No Surprises in NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship Selections, Just a Few Seeding Twists

There weren’t any surprises in the 11 teams announced for the NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship

There weren’t any surprises in the 11 teams announced for the NCAA Women’s Hockey  Championship.

After the five conference winners, the remaining six at-large selection basically as expected based on the next highest ranked teams in the polls. All the teams selected were either from the WCHA (Ohio State, Minnesota & UMD) or the ECAC (Colgate, Clarkson & St. Lawrence).

The only team that maybe could have received an at-large bid was Quinnipiac, but at the end of the day, they didn’t beat Clarkson in the ECAC playoffs, so that removed their opportunity.

The only surprises were the conference upsets and seedings.

Congrats to Boston University and Sacred Heart, winning their championship even though they weren’t the top seed.

As for the seedings, they didn’t go exactly as I expected, but nothing I am really bothered about (unlike  last year when UMD should have had a higher seed and avoided Ohio State  in the second round). It seems the Pairwise ranking was given more weight than the Poll:

  • With Minnesota beating Ohio State in WCHA semi-finals, I thought the Gophers might get the #2 seed
  • I had Penn State as the #8 seed, but they ended up #7
  • I thought St Lawrence would be the #7 seed, but they ended up #10 – it’s possible the committee didn’t want an all-ECAC match-up vs. Clarkson meeting in the first round if SLU was ranked #8 or #9.

Best of luck to all the teams this week. I expect there to be a couple of upsets this weekend.

Categories
2025 Women's College Hockey

Predictable Playoffs? Analyzing the First Week of NCAA DI Women’s Hockey Postseason

I was paying close attention to the first week of the NCAA DI women’s hockey playoffs last week.  Of all the games that were played across the five conferences there were only 4 upsets. 

In the ECAC, the single upset was Union (#9) beating Brown (#8) for their first ever playoff win. It was a mild upset, given that the two programs were only separated by 5 points and 1 win in the ECAC standings.   Otherwise, all the other match-ups went according to higher team in the standings.

For Hockey East, Merrimack (#10) has the biggest upset, beating New Hampshire (#7) in their first round game 3-1.  Given the Pairwise and MyHockeyRankings, this was a bit of a surprise. However, in the next round, the only lower ranked team to win was Northeastern (#5) beating Providence (#4).  Only 3 points and 1 win separated these two teams and Northeastern was actually ranked higher than Providence in both the Pairwise (#15 vs #20) and MyHockeyRankings (#17 vs #21).

A nice surprise was seeing Post (#6) beat Franklin Pierce (3) in the opening round of the NEWHA playoffs.  Post has not had much success in recent years, but with new head coach Pat Bingham, the team advanced to its first-ever semi-finals today vs. Long Island University. Nice to see the program finally get over the hump.

There were no upsets in the advancing teams in the WCHA and AHA conferences, although Minnesota State and Syracuse each won a game in the best-of-3 series.

The lack of major surprises suggests that regular-season performance remains a strong predictor of playoff success. As the playoffs continue, it will be interesting to see if any lower-seeded teams can break through and challenge the favorites.

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College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

What Sets Apart Top DI Women’s Hockey Programs

Women’s college hockey is highly competitive, with NCAA Division I programs leading the charge in developing elite talent. While every D1 program offers athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest collegiate level, certain programs consistently rise above the rest. These top-tier programs distinguish themselves not just through their records, but through the resources, culture, and opportunities they provide.

Here’s a closer look at what sets apart the top D1 women’s hockey programs:

1. Elite Coaching and Development

The best programs are often led by experienced and highly regarded coaching staffs. These coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, including tactical expertise, player development strategies, and the ability to foster team cohesion. They prioritize both individual growth and team success, ensuring that athletes not only perform at their best during college but are also prepared for professional or national team opportunities.

Programs like the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota, for example, consistently produce players who excel in international competitions and professional leagues, thanks to their focus on skill development and game strategy.

2. Winning Culture and Tradition

A strong culture of success is a hallmark of top D1 programs. Teams with a history of winning championships and competing at the Frozen Four attract high-caliber recruits who want to be part of a legacy. This tradition fosters a sense of pride and accountability among players, pushing them to perform at their best.

Schools like Boston College, Clarkson University, and Northeastern University are known for their rich hockey traditions and competitive spirit, which help maintain their status as top programs.

3. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Top programs invest heavily in their facilities to provide athletes with the best resources for success. This includes world-class arenas, strength and conditioning centers, video analysis tools, and recovery amenities. These facilities not only enhance performance but also create an environment where athletes feel valued and supported.

Programs like UConn and Boston University have made significant investments in their hockey facilities, which play a crucial role in attracting top recruits.

4. Strong Academic Support

Top D1 programs recognize that their athletes are students first. They provide robust academic support systems, including tutoring, study spaces, and flexible schedules that accommodate the demands of being a student-athlete. Schools like Harvard University and Cornell University are known for balancing athletic excellence with academic rigor, offering athletes the best of both worlds.

5. National and International Exposure

Programs that regularly compete at the highest level often have players on national team rosters and in international tournaments. This exposure benefits players by providing additional competitive opportunities and raising their profiles among scouts. Programs like the Northeastern University, University of Minnesota Duluth and Ohio State University have strong connections to international hockey, further elevating their status.

6. Recruiting and Alumni Network

A key differentiator for top programs is their ability to recruit top talent from across North America and beyond. These programs have extensive scouting networks and strong relationships with youth and junior hockey organizations. Additionally, their alumni networks often include Olympians and professional players, creating a powerful draw for recruits who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

Final Thoughts

What sets apart top D1 women’s hockey programs is a combination of excellence on and off the ice. From coaching and facilities to culture and academic support, these programs create environments where athletes can thrive. For recruits aiming to play at the highest level, understanding these factors can help guide their decisions and set them on the path to success.

Categories
Girls Hockey Hockey Tryouts Women's Hockey Youth Hockey

Why Playing at the Right Level of Girls Hockey is Better for Your Development

Recently, we have received the same question from players and parents during our webinars asking if a U18 (Canada) or U16 (USA) aged player should play on a U22 (Canada) or U19 (USA) team. This post provides some perspective on this topic.

In youth hockey, it’s common to hear about players “playing up” – joining a team at an older age level to challenge themselves or gain exposure. While this can be a great move for some elite players, it’s not always the best path for everyone. If you’re not going to be one of the top players on the older team, it’s often better to stay at your current age level or a younger one. Why? Because what matters most in youth hockey isn’t just saying you’re on an older team – it’s about developing the skills, confidence, and experience that will set you apart in the long run.

Here’s why playing at the right level for your abilities can be a game-changer for your hockey journey:

1. Development Comes First

The ultimate goal in youth hockey is to become the best player you can be, and that requires consistent development. Playing at a younger level gives you more opportunities to take on key roles, be involved in critical plays, and contribute meaningfully to your team.

  • More Ice Time: On a younger team, you’re more likely to play in key situations like power plays, penalty kills, and crunch-time moments. This experience is invaluable for your growth.
  • Skill Mastery: Repetition builds mastery. You’ll have more chances to handle the puck, take shots, and make decisions on the ice – all of which sharpen your skills faster than sitting on the bench or playing limited minutes on an older team.

2. Confidence is Key

Confidence can make or break a player’s performance. Playing at a level where you can excel boosts your self-belief and encourages you to push yourself even further.

  • If you’re constantly struggling to keep up with older players, it can be frustrating and demotivating. But if you’re thriving at your own level, you’ll build confidence in your abilities – and that confidence will carry over when you do eventually move up.

3. Exposure Happens at All Levels

One common reason players (and parents) push to play up is the belief that older teams get more attention from scouts and college coaches. But here’s the reality:

  • Scouts Watch All Age Levels: College recruiters and scouts aren’t just looking at older teams. They’re watching for talent and potential at all levels. If you’re a standout at a younger level, you’ll still get noticed – and probably more so than if you were just another player on an older team.
  • Consistency Matters: College coaches want players who have a strong foundation and consistently perform well. If you’re excelling at your age level, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track.

4. Team Impact Matters

Being a leader on your team – even at a younger level – teaches valuable skills that will help you as you progress in your hockey career.

  • Leadership Opportunities: On a younger team, you’re more likely to be a captain, lead your team in scoring, or play a pivotal role. These experiences are essential for developing leadership qualities and resilience.

5. It’s About the Long Game

Youth hockey isn’t just about today – it’s about where you’ll be in the next 5-10 years. If you skip steps in your development by playing up too soon, you might miss crucial foundational skills that you’ll need at higher levels.

  • Skill Progression: By staying at the right level, you can master the fundamentals that will make you a more complete player. This sets you up for long-term success, rather than short-term bragging rights.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Your Growth

At the end of the day, playing at the right level for your abilities is about prioritizing your growth as a player. You’ll still have plenty of opportunities to move up when the time is right, and by then, you’ll be ready to stand out. Remember, the goal isn’t just to say you’re on an older team – it’s to develop into the best player you can be.

Stay focused, work hard, and trust the process. Scouts and coaches notice players who are improving, regardless of what level they’re playing at. Your development is what matters most.

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