It’s Not “Only AA,” “Just B,” or “Only House League”: Why Every Level of Hockey Matters
- Edward Garinger
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 18
One of the most damaging mindsets in hockey today is the phrase: “It’s only AA,” “They just play B,” or “It’s only house league.” These words can undermine a player’s confidence, diminish their passion for the game, and create unnecessary pressure.
Hockey is a journey, and every level serves an important purpose. Whether a player is in house league, competitive B, AA, AAA, or junior hockey, each step offers opportunities for growth, development, and enjoyment. Players develop at different rates, and success isn’t defined by making the “top” team—it’s about maximizing one’s potential and finding joy in the game.
This article will break down why every level of hockey matters and provide guidance for coaches, parents, and players on how to adopt a more positive and productive mindset.
The Problem with “Only” Thinking
Dismissing a level of hockey as “only” creates an environment where players feel like they’ve failed before they’ve even stepped on the ice. Here’s why this mentality is harmful:
1. It Creates Unrealistic Expectations
Many players (and parents) believe that making the highest-level team every year is the only path to success. However, hockey development is a long process, and there are countless examples of players who started in lower divisions before progressing to higher levels.
2. It Devalues the Experience
Each level of hockey serves a purpose. AA players compete at a high level, but it may not be as demanding as AAA. B and house league players may not be at the top of the competitive ladder, but they are still developing skills, learning teamwork, and growing as athletes.
3. It Damages Confidence and Passion
When a player hears their coach or parent say, “It’s only B,” they may feel like their hard work is meaningless. This can lead to a loss of confidence, reduced effort, and even an early exit from the sport.
4. It Overlooks Late Bloomers
Many professional and elite-level players weren’t always the best in their age group. Some didn’t play AAA, and some weren’t even top players in junior hockey. Development isn’t linear, and a player’s path should be about progress, not status.
For Coaches: Creating a Positive Development Culture
As a coach, your role extends beyond systems and skills—you’re responsible for fostering a love for the game and maximizing each player’s potential.
1. Focus on Individual Development
Instead of emphasizing a player's level, focus on skill development and improvement. A player who consistently improves at any level has a better long-term trajectory than one who struggles on a team that’s too advanced.
Tip: Create a development plan for each player, emphasizing skills they can work on regardless of the level they play at.
2. Avoid the “Only” Mentality in Your Language
What you say carries weight. If you refer to certain levels dismissively, your players will internalize that negativity.
Tip: Use phrases like, “This is a great place for your development,” instead of, “You’re only playing at this level.”
3. Set the Right Competitive Goals
Every level has its own challenges. House league teams still compete for championships. B and AA players still battle in tight games. Recognizing the importance of competition at every level helps players stay engaged.
Tip: Set goals focused on team improvement, skill growth, and personal achievement, rather than just making a higher-level team next season.
4. Encourage Multi-Sport Athletes
Not every player should be consumed by hockey year-round. House league or lower competitive levels allow players to develop other skills through other sports.
Tip: Encourage players to develop athleticism beyond hockey to avoid burnout and enhance overall development.
For Parents: Supporting Your Child’s Journey
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s hockey experience. The way you react to their placement on a team can influence their confidence and love for the sport.
1. Recognize That Development Is Not a Straight Line
Some players peak at 12 years old, while others find their stride at 18. Not every NHL player was a star at a young age.
Tip: Celebrate effort and progress rather than just the level of play.
2. Stop Comparing Your Child to Others
It’s easy to compare your child to teammates or friends who may be playing at a higher level. But hockey development isn’t a race.
Tip: Focus on your child’s individual progress rather than what team another player is on.
3. Avoid Undermining the Team
If your child is playing at a level you think is “too low,” complaining about it in front of them will only create resentment and negativity.
Tip: Emphasize the positives—team friendships, skill development, and the chance to play lots of ice time.
4. Consider the Whole Experience
Higher-level hockey comes with increased commitment, time, and financial strain. A child playing at a lower level but enjoying the game is far better than one who feels pressured into a level they don’t enjoy.
Tip: Ask your child what they want from hockey and respect their goals.
For Players: Embracing Your Path
1. Own Your Development
No matter what level you play at, you control your work ethic, attitude, and growth. Plenty of players work their way up by maximizing every opportunity.
Tip: Set personal skill and fitness goals each season. Improvement at any level leads to bigger opportunities.
2. Don’t Let the Level Define You
A player in house league can be just as dedicated as one in AA or AAA. It’s your effort and passion that matter most.
Tip: Find ways to challenge yourself—extra skill work, shooting pucks at home, or watching and learning from higher-level players.
3. Play for the Love of the Game
Hockey is meant to be fun. If you’re enjoying the game, making friends, and improving, then the level doesn’t matter as much as people make it seem.
Tip: Focus on playing with energy and enthusiasm every time you step on the ice.
4. Use Your Time Wisely
Lower-level hockey often means more ice time. Use that opportunity to refine skills, make plays, and take on leadership roles.
Tip: Ask your coach how you can improve and take initiative in your development.
Conclusion: The Right Mindset Creates Long-Term Success
The best hockey players, parents, and coaches understand that development matters more than labels. There is no such thing as “only AA,” “only B,” or “only house league.” Every level is an opportunity.
Coaches should emphasize skill growth and create a positive culture.
Parents should support their child’s unique journey without unrealistic comparisons.
Players should embrace their development and find joy in the game.
By shifting the mindset away from dismissing certain levels, we create an environment where more players develop, more kids stay in the game, and hockey remains a sport that fosters passion, growth, and lifelong memories.
"Let's be honest - we all end up in beer league. Some of us just get there sooner."
Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.
Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.
A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.
