Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different levels of competitive hockey available to my child?
In London, Competitive (MD) Hockey starts at our U8 and U9 and is the highest level of hockey until U10 when there are three levels of competitive hockey available to children.
All minor hockey centres in Ontario are classified based on the size of population, hockey enrollment, etc. within their designated boundary. The classifications are AAA, AA, A, B/BB, C/CC, D.
The Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) has Competitive hockey exclusively for female minor hockey players from U7 ages up and there are several local associations running programming.
AAA
- AAA is the highest level of competitive hockey in London.
- The AAA program is offered in London only by the London Junior Knights for U10/Minor Atom to U18/Major Midget players.
- The amount of teams at each level is at the discretion of the Association
Seeded Hockey (AA/A)
- Seeded Hockey is the second highest level of competitive hockey available in London.
- Seeded Hockey is offered by the London Junior Knights as well as the London JR Mustangs for U10/Minor Atom to U18/Major Midget players.
- The amount of teams at each level is at the discretion of the Association
B/BB/ Representative Hockey
- B/BB (Formerly MD) hockey is first level of Competitive hockey and is available to U10/Minor Atom to U18/Midget players.
- For U8 (Minor Novice), there is only 1 level of Competitive MD hockey. For U9 (Major Novice), we field MD1 (Tier 1) and MD2 (Tier 2) teams.
- The local associations traditionally offer one B/BB team per division where registration numbers and player development allow it.
- B/BB & MD teams can play Hockey Canada/ USA Hockey B/BB 'Rep' and 'A' level tournaments and exhibition games outside of the Alliance.
2. Does a player have to tryout for Higher Levels if they really wish to play B/BB?
- No, players can start at B/BB tryouts.
- We encourage players to tryout for higher levels to ensure players are playing at their optimal skill level.
- However, it is important to understand that there are added travel, financial and time commitments required to participate at Higher Levels to B/BB/
3. Is competitive hockey more expensive the house league hockey?
- Yes, there are additional costs associated with competitive hockey.
- Competitive teams are on the ice more often than house league teams and have other team expenses. The associations charge a competitive surcharge to cover ice and other costs provided by the association.
- Teams may wish to purchase additional ice or go on tournaments. These costs would also be covered by the team.
- Competitive teams do have the option to fund-raise to cover some or all of these additional costs.
4. What is the time commitment?
- Generally there are 1.5 to 2.5 hours of practice time per week and 1 to 2 games.
- There is also more travel, as some of the teams you will play will be outside of London such as Sarnia, Burlington, Cambridge, KW area etc.
- Generally there is less travel with B/BB & MD hockey compared to Seeded A/AA hockey.
5. Are playoffs during March Break?
- Yes. Playoffs for B/BB, MD and Seeded hockey can be during March Break so you could potentially miss key games if you are away. Each team's coach will set expectations.
6. I have just moved to Oakridge geographical area. How do I register for hockey tryouts?
- Please contact our Registrar ASAP to assist you with your transfer. There are processes that have to be followed to allow participation.
7. What Division is my child in?
- The competitive divisions are based on birth year. The naming is based on the age that the players will start to be turning after New Years.