USA Hockey establishes the levels and age classifications in youth hockey. Eligibility for each level is based upon the player’s birth year. 

2020-21 USA HOCKEY LEVELS AND AGE CLASSIFICATIONS

For Tier II hockey, there are two birth years playing at each level.  For example, for the Pee Wee level, as noted above, eligible players include those born in either 2008 or 2009. 

For Tier I AAA hockey, each level is further broken down into “Major” and “Minor” divisions.  These divisions are not based upon the skill level of the player, but the player’s birth year.  The Major division consists of second year players for the level for which they are playing while the Minor division consists of first year players for said level.  For example, for the AAA Pee Wee level, those players born in 2008 (second year Pee-Wees) are only eligible for the Major division while those born in 2009 (first year Pee Wees) play in the Minor division.