The USA Hockey hierarchy
Junior teams play at a number of levels
By Cliff Pfenning, oregonsports.com
As part of the ongoing work to raise the performance of hockey across the nation, USA Hockey has developed a ratings system for teams involved with players ages 16 through 20.
The skill levels include Tier I, II and III, which is where the Eugene Generals and Southern Oregon Spartans play within.
The Portland Winterhawks play within the Canadian Hockey League's heirarchy for players the same age.
USA HOCKEY
TIER I
United States Hockey League - 16 teams
TIER II
North American Hockey League - 26 teams
TIER III - A
Northern Pacific Hockey League (Norpac) – 11 teams
www.norpac.pointstreaksites.com/view/norpac
Atlantic Junior Hockey League – 12 teams Boston to Washington DC www.ajhlhockey.org/
Central States Hockey League – 12 teams from St. Louis to Cincy to Chicago and Flint www.na3hl.com/
Eastern Junior Hockey League – 14 teams within AJHL area www.easternjunior.com/
Minnesota Junior Hockey League – 8 teams www.mnjhl.com/
Western States Hockey League – 13 teams from Texas to Fresno to Idaho www.wshl.org
USA Hockey Tier III National Championship Tournament, April 1-5, Rochester, Minn. www.rochsports.org/hockey/
HIGH SCHOOL
Oregon – 13 teams
May 19, 2012
