Please use the following division descriptions as a guideline when choosing a division. It is advised that you place your team based on the experience of your team’s strongest three players as opposed to your weaker players.
DIVISION DISCLAIMER
Knowingly entering your team into an inappropriate division will not improve your chances of getting into your preferred division that might be sold out. Registering into an inappropriate division and also going on a waitlist for an acceptable division will move you to the bottom of that waitlist. Please sign up for the appropriate division or, if it’s sold out, put yourself on the waitlist. The tournament director(s) reserves the right to move teams into appropriate divisions/waitlists as needed to ensure parity across the tournament.
If you won your division last year, you must play in a division above, where applicable (high level divisions may be an exception) USA Hockey's staff reserves the right to move your team if you register in a division you previously won.
**All divisions are co-ed except those specifically listed as women’s divisions.**
Division descriptions have changed from years past. There will be 24 NON-CHECK Divisions for this years tournament.
Gold – This division is made up of advanced to elite level players. Players in this division may have professional (any level, including Europe), NCAA Division I or III College, Major Jr., and Junior A playing experience. Teams in this division are comparable to traditional “A” level adult league teams.
Silver 21 & Older – This division consists of advanced level players who may have Junior A or B, Non-Varsity College (ACHA), Midget Major AAA, and Prep/Varsity High School playing experience. Teams are comparable to traditional “B” level adult league teams.
Silver 30 & Older – All players must turn 30 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Silver 40 & Older - All players must be 40 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Bronze 21 & Older – This division is comprised of players that may have experience at the Division II or III ACHA levels, Junior B or C, Varsity high school, and lower midget levels. Some players may have limited organized youth playing experience, but have several years of experience as a recreational adult player. These teams are comparable to traditional “C” level adult league teams.
Bronze 30 & Older – All players must be 30 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Bronze 40 & Older - All players must be 40 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Bronze 50 & Older - All players must be 50 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Intermediate 21 & Older – This division may have players with some organized playing experience (either as an adult or a youth), little or no youth playing experience but have played several years as an adult player, and players that have some non-varsity high school experience but are several years removed from those levels. These teams are comparable to traditional “D” level adult league teams.
Intermediate 30 & Older – All players must be 30 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Intermediate 40 & Older - All players must be 40 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Intermediate 50 & Older - All players must be 50 years of age by the start date of the tournament.
Beginner – Teams are entirely comprised of beginner adult players. Although a small number of players may have 5+ years of beginner adult experience, the majority of teams consist of players with 1-5 years of entry level playing experience as an adult. These teams are comparable to traditional “E” level adult league teams.
60 & Older Open - Players of any skill level with the requirement that all players must turn 60 by the start date of the tournament.
Warrior Divisions - https://www.usahockey.com/warriorhockey
Tin Can - This is a for fun non-competitive division. While the other divisions have a 3 game guarantee and compete for a trophy, this division has a 4 game guarantee for all teams. There is no championship game or trophy. Bring your friends and have fun experiencing everything the Pond Hockey National Championships have to offer.
Women-Gold - In this division teams are comprised primarily of advanced level players. These players may have played professional women’s hockey, NCAA Division I or III college, or any other higher level of women’s hockey.
Women-Silver - Teams in this division have players that may have played prep or varsity high school, non-varsity college (ACHA), or have 10+ years of women’s adult hockey playing experience.
Women-Bronze - Teams in this division have players that have youth hockey experience up to varsity high school or have many years of playing experience as an adult.
Women-Intermediate - Teams are comprised of players that are beyond the beginner level. Players in this division may have limited youth hockey experience up to non-varsity high school and are several years removed from that level or have played more than 5 years as an adult.
Women-Beginner - Teams are entirely comprised of entry level adult players. The majority of these teams consists of adult players with less than 5 years of entry level playing experience.
Women 30 & Older Open - Players of any skill level with the requirement that all players in this division must turn 30 by the start date of the tournament.
Women 40 & Older Open - Players of any skill level with the requirement that all players in this division must turn 40 by the start date of the tournament.