Leagues and Skill Levels
Leagues
ARCHL - Newbie/Development
Skill level: Beginner to low-intermediate (Roughly 1.5 to 3)
Location: Vancouver Rec Centres (Hillcrest, Kitsilano, etc.)*
Number of games: 22 games including playoffs*
Goalies are guaranteed half of the games as there will be two goalies per team
Dates: Late September to Late February*
Game times: Evenings from 9PM to 11PM*
Cost: $600.00 (Skater); $145.00 (Goalies)
* Please note that the location, number of games, season dates, and game times are based on last season's information as the league has not yet released information regarding the upcoming season.
ASHL - Intermediate to Advanced
Skill level: Low-intermediate to advanced (Roughly 3 to 6)
Location: Scotiabarn in Burnaby
Number of games: 30 guaranteed games + 2 guaranteed playoff games
Goalies are guaranteed half of the games as there will be two goalies per team
Dates: September 1 to April 30
Game times: Weekday evenings and weekend daytimes and evenings
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Cost: $840.00 (Skater); $205.00 (Goalie)
Skill Rating Descriptions
Level 1 - Beginner/Novice
You're just learning to skate and have very limited knowledge of the fundamentals — positioning, rules, team concepts. This level is for true beginners who have never played the game and haven't watched much of it either.
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If you have little to no hockey playing experience, we highly recommend enrolling in a learn to play program between now and the start of the season. You can learn more about learn to play options here.
If you sign up at this level, someone from our hockey development group will reach out to help you navigate learn to play options. We know it can be very overwhelming!
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Please only sign up if you know you're going to be able to devote some time and money to learn to play between now and the start of fall season. If you have any questions before signing up, please don't hesitate to reach out to email hockeydev@cuttingedgeshockey.ca.
Level 1.5 - Mid-Beginner
You're becoming more comfortable on your skates but still have a hard time skating both forward and backward. You've picked up basic skills to get up and down the ice but still struggle with carrying the puck, making passes, and taking shots. This level also fits people who aren't natural athletes and may take more time to develop their skills.
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Some players at Level 1.5 are ready to play competitive hockey with our development teams. If you’re not sure, you may want to reach out to hockeydev@cuttingedgeshockey.ca for more information.
Level 2 - Advanced Novice
You're becoming more comfortable on your skates but still struggle going backward. You're probably just getting comfortable with positional play, learning to skate with your head up, grasping the rules and team concepts, and understanding offensive and defensive zones.
Level 2.5 - Advanced Novice
You're comfortable skating forward and can now skate backward fairly competently. You're beginning to understand positioning and team concepts but are still working on stick handling, passing, shooting and crossovers.
Level 3 - Low Intermediate
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are the great wide middle of adult recreational hockey. Most Level 3 skaters have not had significant coaching or played significant youth hockey as a child, but are generally athletic, have good knowledge of the game, skating and puck handling skills and can play at a general competitive level. Some Level 3 skaters may be slowing with age and moving down from higher ranks.
Simply put, Level 3 players are average in most areas of the game.
Level 3.5 - Mid-Intermediate
You're comfortable in a fast-paced game and able to keep up with the play. You can perform tougher manoeuvres like backwards crossovers and pivots, and are strong on your edges. You're in average physical shape. Many players who started as adults feel at home at this level after several seasons.
Level 4 - Intermediate
Skaters and goaltenders have substantial hockey abilities, skills, knowledge, and experience. Most Level 4’s have been coached and have played considerable hockey in the past.
Level 4.5 - Upper Intermediate
You play at a high level in all areas of the game. You understand the rules and team concepts, and are skilled at stick handling, passing, and puck control. You're in good physical shape.
Level 5 - Advanced
You play at a high level in all areas of the game. You understand the rules and team concepts, and are skilled at stick handling, passing, and puck control.
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You're in above-average physical shape, and are usually a former WHL, CHL, Junior A, or Major Junior player.
Level 6 - Elite/Professional
You're a current or former professional athlete (Olympic, NHL or AHL, high-caliber WHL/CHL). You should feel comfortable playing with former pros or ex-Division 1 / college players.