{"id":17660,"date":"2026-08-17T22:32:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T02:32:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lfahockey.com\/how-to-choose-your-skill-level-in-an-adult-hockey-league\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T11:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T15:04:40","slug":"how-to-choose-your-skill-level-in-an-adult-hockey-league","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lfahockey.com\/en\/how-to-choose-your-skill-level-in-an-adult-hockey-league\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose your skill level in an adult hockey league?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You want to join an adult hockey league, but one question remains: what level should you play at?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

It’s a more difficult question than it seems. The level at which you played in your youth is certainly a good starting point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Age, physical condition, the number of years you haven’t played, and even the type of hockey you’re looking for now can completely change the answer. <\/p>\n\n

At the Ligue F\u00e9d\u00e9rale des As<\/strong> (LFA), we use a scale of calibers ranging from former professional players to beginner recreational players in order to better evaluate players and, above all, to create balanced divisions and teams.<\/p>\n\n

Here’s how to find your place.<\/p>\n\n

<\/div>\n\n

Your previous level is a starting point, not a definitive answer<\/h2>\n\n

When asked about a player’s skill level, the first answer is often based on their career path:<\/p>\n\n

“I played AA.”<\/em>“I played Junior.”<\/em>“I always played single-letter.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n

This information is very useful, but it needs to be put back into context.<\/p>\n\n

A player who has competed in top-level hockey generally retains a good understanding of the game, even many years later. Vision, positioning, and certain automatic reflexes rarely disappear completely. <\/p>\n\n

However, speed, explosiveness and endurance can change considerably.<\/p>\n\n

A 25-year-old former AA player who still plays twice a week probably doesn’t have the same current caliber as a 48-year-old former AA player who is starting to play again after a 15-year break.<\/p>\n\n

Your history tells us where you’ve come from. Your current level tells us where you should be playing. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

<\/div>\n\n

How does the LFA rank players?<\/h2>\n\n

To facilitate assessment, the LFA uses a scale of grades ranging from A to E-<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

A \u2014 Former professionals<\/h3>\n\n

The A-level category corresponds to players who have played in top-level professional leagues, including the NHL and the AHL.<\/p>\n\n

B+ \u2014 Semi-professional<\/h3>\n\n

This category includes players who have played in leagues such as the ECHL, LNAH or NCAA, or at equivalent levels.<\/p>\n\n

B- \u2014 Junior Major<\/h3>\n\n

This caliber primarily corresponds to former players from major junior hockey, particularly the QMJHL and leagues of comparable level.<\/p>\n\n

C+ \u2014 Junior AAA<\/h3>\n\n

Players who have played in Junior AAA, Ontario Junior A, Senior AAA or certain college levels may find themselves in this category.<\/p>\n\n

C- \u2014 Junior AA<\/h3>\n\n

This level includes, among others, former players from Junior AA, high-caliber Senior leagues or equivalent leagues.<\/p>\n\n

D+ \u2014 Very strong double letter<\/h3>\n\n

Here we find players who have played in the elite levels of minor hockey, such as AA or BB, and who still retain good physical abilities.<\/p>\n\n

D \u2014 Double strong letter<\/h3>\n\n

These players generally possess good experience in competitive hockey, a good vision of the game, and are always able to play in a fast-paced style of hockey.<\/p>\n\n

D- \u2014 CC \/ A<\/h3>\n\n

The D- caliber generally corresponds to players who have spent a good part of their career in intermediate competitive levels such as CC or A. They have a good understanding of the game and are able to keep up without major difficulty.<\/p>\n\n

E \u2014 Advanced Recreational<\/h3>\n\n

These are players who know hockey well and often have several years of experience, but who are now looking for a more recreational pace or who no longer necessarily have the physical abilities they previously had.<\/p>\n\n

And this is an important distinction: recreational does not necessarily mean beginner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

E- \u2014 Recreational beginner<\/h3>\n\n

This level is more suited to players with little or no experience in organized hockey, beginners, or players whose pace and understanding of the game are more suited to a learning and recreational hockey environment.<\/p>\n\n

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See the caliber chart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/div>\n\n

Your caliber today is more important than it was 20 years ago.<\/h2>\n\n

The caliber chart is intentionally indicative<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n

Your background provides us with an excellent reference, but several other factors must be considered.<\/p>\n\n

Ask yourself, in particular:<\/p>\n\n