The mission of the Youth Committee is to provide an innovative grassroots foundation for the growth and development of USA Hockey, designing programs aimed at increased participation, improved skills and a responsible environment for the conduct of youth hockey.

Click here for more information on the youth league visit.

USA Hockey has created the Come Play Youth Hockey digital guidebook. This guide will provide you with valuable information - from finding a local program to learning how to dress your child in hockey equipment!

Click here to view the Come Play Youth Hockey digital guidebook.

Click here to view the Come Play Youth Hockey Website.

Click here to view the Positive Coaching Alliance Hockey Website for Parents.

WHAT IS FUN?
By Minnesota Hockey

Have you ever noticed how in many youth sport settings, especially for more competitive levels of play, the word fun seems to be viewed negatively? Prevailing wisdom dictates that in order for young athletes to truly reach their potential they must be focused, committed and intense at earlier and earlier ages. Click here to read the full article.

The American Development Model is a nationwide model for successfully developing American hockey players. It is a tool that will ensure every kid will have a great chance to succeed.
 
By implementing USA Hockey's ADM, associations will deliver more efficient skill development, will produce more skilled players and experience an increase in player retention. The ADM is a nationwide blueprint designed specifically to help kids reach their full potential.

For more information about the ADM Model click here.

Enjoyment and recreational benefits were chief among USA Hockey's Board of Directors' motivations for recently issuing new youth hockey guidelines. Registered teams play in the classifications of 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 19U (Girls) and USA Hockey's Youth Council wants to emphasize these benefits.

The USA Hockey-recommended guidelines for youth hockey encourage a noncompetitive environment in which children can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an overemphasis on winning.

8 & Under Guidelines
10 & Under Guidelines
12 & Under Guidelines
14 & Under Guidelines
16 & Under Guidelines
18 & Under Guidelines

The Carolinas Hockey League operates a travel youth hockey league in the Carolinas.  Click Here for more information

The Atlantic Coast Hockey Conference operates a travel hockey league in the Carolinas. Click Here for more information.

Any league that operates within the states of North Carolina and South Carolina must register with CAHA by June 15 prior to the next season.  Registration for the 2025-26 season is due June 15, 2025.  Any league is therefore exclusively under CAHA’s jurisdiction. CAHA reserves the right to address all league policies so that they are administered consistently with the American Development Model (ADM), USA Hockey Playing Rules, and CAHA Rules, Policies, and Procedures.

Leagues Recognized by CAHA – All leagues that operate in CAHA must register their league with CAHA annually. The Board of Directors shall have the right and discretion to refuse membership in CAHA to any league within the criterion established by USA Hockey and CAHA.

Open Leagues - Any league recognized by CAHA is considered an open league and therefore any Member Organization with a Tier I, Tier II, or Travel team is eligible to participate if they qualify under CAHA eligibility rules and follow the league’s rules.

Affiliate Leagues - CAHA may establish Affiliate leagues operated by CAHA at any time and at any level if the leagues follow the American Development Model (ADM), USA Hockey Playing Rules, and CAHA Rules, Policies, and Procedures.

SCHEDULE OF TRYOUTS

Travel Hockey Tryout Preparation has begun and here is the schedule for Tryouts:

April 9, 2025 - Tier I AAA tryouts may begin

May 16, 2025 - All other tryouts may begin

TIER I AAA PROGRAMS

CAHA awards a limited number of Associations allowed to offer Tier I AAA teams.  Here is the list for 2025-26. Any other Association not sanctioned as Tier I by CAHA is misrepresenting their program and is subject to Discipline.

Carolina Jr Hurricanes

Youth 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U

Girls 14U, 16U, 19U

Carolina Premier Hockey (CPH)

Youth 13U, 14U

NC Golden Bears

Youth 16U

Queen City Royals

Youth 12U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:

https://www.carolinahockey.org/youthhockey

https://www.carolinahockey.org/tier1