The Hockey Pathway Hub

Your roadmap to NCAA Division I hockey.

Every great hockey career follows a pathway. From Learn to Play through NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey, this is the interactive roadmap that shows families what comes next — and why.

Start at stage 1 See the full roadmap

Stage 1
Learn to Play
Where every hockey journey starts.
1
Ages:

Ages 4 – 8
Duration:

1 – 2 seasons
Open stage
Stage 2
Youth Hockey
House, travel and the years that build hockey players.
2
Ages:

Ages 7 – 12
Duration:

3 – 5 seasons
Open stage
Stage 3
AA Hockey
The bridge between house hockey and the top tier.
3
Ages:

Ages 11 – 16
Duration:

1 – 3 seasons
Open stage
Stage 4
AAA Hockey
The top tier of competitive youth hockey in North America.
4
Ages:

Ages 12 – 18
Duration:

2 – 5 seasons
Open stage
Choose your branch
Stage 5
Prep School Hockey
Academics first. Hockey second. NCAA D-I in sight.
5
Ages:

Grades 9 – PG
Duration:

2 – 5 years
Open stage
Stage 5
Junior Hockey
The most direct path to NCAA Division I men's hockey.
5
Ages:

Ages 16 – 21
Duration:

1 – 4 seasons
Open stage
Your destination
Stage 6
NCAA Division I Men's Hockey
The destination of the men's pathway.
6
Ages:

Ages 18 – 24
Duration:

4 years
Open stage
Stage 6
NCAA Division I Women's Hockey
The destination of the women's pathway.
6
Ages:

Ages 18 – 24
Duration:

4 years
Open stage

Every Stage

Jump to any stage

Each stage is its own cornerstone page with goals, skills, parent advice, FAQs and downloads.

Your Next Step

Start at Stage 1 — Learn to Play.

The pathway is easiest to follow from the beginning. Open Stage 1 to see what hockey looks like for a family just getting started.

Open Learn to PlayThe first stage of the roadmap.Browse the Decision CenterFrameworks for the choices along the way.

Learn to Play

Youth Hockey

AA Hockey

AAA Hockey

Prep School Hockey

Junior Hockey

NCAA Division I Men's Hockey

NCAA Division I Women's Hockey