PlayYourGame.com - Playing Jr. A

      The 1st Step
      Hockey Classif...
      NHL A.S.S.I.S.T.

      Where to Play?
      Training Camp
      Straight Facts
      Junior B
      Prep School
      Junior A
      Major Junior
      Bantam Draft

      NCAA Div. I
      NCAA Div. III
      CIAU
      CDN College

      After College
      Europe
      Being Drafted
      AHL/IHL
      NHL
      Retirement

Jr. A leagues across North America have become a breeding ground for players focusing on Education. Tier 2 is extremely competitive and more than ever is turning out U.S. Division 1, Division 2, CIAU, Canadian College, Major Jr and professional players. This is an exciting and encouraging trend that Jr. A players can expect to be a part of.
      Within the Jr. A leagues, the range in age that you can expect to find is between that of 16-20. Jr. A will be an exciting time for young players. For many it will be the first time they will be away from home for an extended period of time. Fan support, news coverage, the possibility of being traded, having their first stall are all aspects of Jr. A that players will find exciting & challenging.
      The quality of hockey being played at this level is definitely not in question. More than ever players are taking the Tier 2 route in order to obtain university scholarships. At the same time scouts from all leagues are starting to realize that players are starting to bypass Major Jr. for U.S. schooling. It is through this realization by scouts that has led to more exposure for Jr. A players.
      The playing history of players within the Jr. A leagues would be that of minor hockey graduates as well as Jr. B and High School players. For players still attending high school while playing, it will prove to be an invaluable tool in learning the pressures of playing competitive hockey while balancing a school course load. This lesson will serve players well if they choose to further their careers at the University/College level.
      For the majority of players, Jr. A will be used as a stepping stone. It can lead to schooling, it can lead to Major Jr. and for some it can lead to the professional level. Whatever a player's aspirations may be, Jr. A can be a great experience. Through developing their hockey skills, building lifelong friendships, and by experiencing what it takes to be successful at school as well as on the ice, Jr. A graduates will be ready for their next step what ever that may be.

Canadian Jr. A Leagues
American Jr. A Leagues
School & Junior