As a lifelong hockey player, I am sad to see how much it now costs kids to play organized hockey in the USA and Canada. Many of the world’s best ice hockey players honed their skills (informally) playing on frozen ponds and low cost outdoor rinks. During a typical 60 minute game, the average player touches the puck for only about one minute. Why would someone want their 7 to 15 year old kid on a AAA (or travel team) when the kid has not nearly developed their potential / skill set? Also, why would a kid want to sit on the bench for a AAA team when he can get top 6 minutes for a AA team? I can see playing AAA (for advanced development) if he is potentially USHL, Major Junior, or college hockey material at 16 or older but playing AAA doesn’t seem to make sense for younger kids. Question: What is the difference in cost (not including protective equipment and sticks) to play AAA vs. AA or A level hockey?
