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    American Hockey Center

For young players who desire to attend a college where they will be provided with an opportunity to play competitive hockey while acquiring an education, the College Hockey Guide is an excellent research tool.

Players and parents must be aware that grades are of utmost importance. The most talented and skilled players will not be accepted into a college if their grades do not meet the minimum standards for the school!

 Some things to research . . .

• What are the college academic offerings - does this fit your needs?

• What are the academic requirements for admission - can you qualify?

• What is the tuition cost - does this fit your budget?

• What is the former playing level of the current players - does this match your playing experience?

• Is there an on campus hockey arena - is a fan base important to you?

• Is there a cost to play - player fees and equipment?

• Is there a team locker room?

• Is there a team physician, trainer and access to training facilities?

• Is transportation provided to away games?

• How many games are played each season?

• How often are practices and at what time of day?

Players often aspire to earn a hockey scholarship. Only a few ever realize this goal. In men's college hockey, studies have shown that there are 200 or less hockey scholarships awarded to American players each year, so only the top 200 or less from a pool of thousands will be included. Scouts look for academic ability as well as hockey talent, so prospective players must excel in both. It is rare that a player receives a scholarship at the age of 17 or 18. Most are more experienced 19, 20 and 21 year olds. In women's college hockey, the annual pool of players is smaller and the players are younger, thus scholarships are somewhat less competitive but still require a very high level of academic and hockey abilities.

All levels below NCAA Division I do not offer athletic scholarships but there may be academic or need-based scholarship money available. Recruiting at these levels is an imperfect science and there is no guarantee of inclusion on a team. Coaches tend to over recruit and there will always be cuts, so it is important that players opt for teams that match their previous level of success in hockey. Team rosters with player's former teams are usually available on team Web sites to help determine the best fit. Below are a few guidelines to help with this process.

NCAA Division I is the highest level of college hockey. Players at this level have usually been identified at an early age and many are given athletic scholarships (Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships). Most of these players have been standouts at a very high level of Prep School Hockey or Junior A Hockey and most have played beyond high school age for one or more years to further develop their skills and strength. If a player has not been recruited by a Division I college, it is not likely that this level will be a good fit.

Browse all NCAA Division I hockey teams:   Men's   Women's   Search

NCAA Division II There are a very limited number of teams that are classified as Division II. These teams usually offer athletic scholarships and compete in either Division I or Division III and are entered into our database under their respective level of competition.

NCAA Division III is a very high level of play. These teams recruit heavily and players at this level have usually been recruited by the college. Most of the players have played a high level of Junior, Midget AAA or Prep School hockey before entering college.

Browse all NCAA Division III hockey teams:  Men's   Women's   Search

ACHA Division I is a high level of play. These teams recruit heavily and players at this level have usually been recruited by the college. Most of the players have played a high level of Junior, Midget AAA or Prep School hockey before entering college.

Read what NHL.com says about ACHA hockey

Browse all ACHA Division I hockey teams:  Men's   Women's   Search

ACHA Division II is a good fit for many players who have been standouts on average level high school or midget hockey teams. Many of these programs are well organized and managed and can offer a good experience for players who do not qualify for the higher levels.

Browse all ACHA Division II hockey teams:  Men's   Women's   Search

ACHA Division III is generally a step down in playing level, but many of these programs are well organized and managed and can offer a good experience for players who do not qualify for the higher levels. Note: There is no ACHA Division III in women's college hockey.

Browse all ACHA Division III hockey teams   Search

NJCAA is a high level of play and some teams are equal to ACHA Division I and NCAA Division III teams. These teams could be a good fit for players who do not attend a four year college. Note: There are no NJCAA teams in women's college hockey.

Browse all NJCAA hockey teams   Search

NCAA Division I  |  NCAA Division II  |  NCAA Division III  | ACHA Division I  |  ACHA Division II  | ACHA Division III  |  NJCAA

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