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Required Equipment
Where to begin!
Required Equipment
Helmet - Arguably the most important piece of protective equipment for your little head banger. Fortunately, the guys at Virginia Tech tested over 63 helmets to help you make an informed decision. VA Tech Hockey Helmet Ratings
Stick
Skates
Shoulder Pads
Pants
Shin Guards
Elbow Pads
Gloves
Undergarments
Socks
Mouth guard (Required for 12U and older; optional for 10U and Mites)
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Hockey Age Groups
8U - Mites
10U - Squirt
12U - Peewee
14U - Bantam
16U - Midget
18U - Midget
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Youth Hockey Tiers
AAA - Tier 1 - Highest level of competition for youth hockey.
- 10U AAA, 12U AAA, 14U AAA, 16U AAA, 18U AAA
AA - Tier 2 - Mid-level competition for youth hockey. Most youth travel clubs.
- 10U AA, 12U AA, 14U AA, 16U AA, 18U AA
A - Tier 2 - Lower to mid-level competition for youth hockey. The "A" level is sometimes divided into "Upper A" or "UA" and "Lower A" or "LA."
- 10U UA, 10U LA, 12U UA, 12U LA, 14U UA, 14U LA, 16U UA, 16U LA, 18U UA, 18U LA
B/House - Tier 3 - Recreation level youth hockey.
- 10U B, 12U B, 14U B, 16U B, 18U B