Charting the Elite Hockey Journey

The journey to elite hockey typically begins in AAA programs, where players develop foundational skills and compete at the highest levels for their age group. Along the way, key milestones and invitation-only events provide opportunities for exposure and development:

U11: The Brick Invitational Tournament

The Brick Invitational is a premier summer tournament held in Edmonton, Canada, featuring top North American 10- and 11-year-olds. Earning a spot on a Brick team highlights a player’s early potential.

U14: The 68 Combine

At U14, elite players may receive invitations to The 68 Combine, a summer showcase for the best 13 and 14-year-olds in the USA and Canada. This event is designed to highlight top talent, providing development opportunities and visibility to scouts.

National Camps (Starting at 13U)

USA Hockey organizes National Player Development Camps beginning at 13U, which bring together the best players from across the country. These camps provide advanced coaching, competition, and exposure to scouts from junior, collegiate, and professional levels.

15U-18U: Progressing to Juniors or Prep Hockey

As players mature, they may pursue different paths:

AAA to Juniors: Continuing in AAA until eligible to join junior leagues like the USHL, NAHL, or CHL.
AAA to Prep to Juniors: Some players transition to elite prep school hockey, which combines high-level competition with academic preparation, before advancing to juniors.

USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP)

The NTDP was established in 1996 to train and develop elite youth hockey talent in a highly competitive environment. Based at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, the program comprises two teams: the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 squads. The U17 team competes in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and participates in three international tournaments annually. The U18 team plays a mix of NCAA Division I and III teams, USHL opponents, and also competes in three international events each year.

Throughout these stages, performance in league play, regional and national tournaments, and showcases is critical for gaining exposure and advancing in the competitive hockey hierarchy.