This message is intended to give an objective, brief explanation of the hockey landscape in Virginia, Maryland, and DC and explain the differences in Tier I/AAA and Tier II.

USA Hockey in Virginia, Maryland, and DC is governed by the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association, or PVAHA. Information about PVAHA can be found here: www.pvaha.org. PVAHA is one of four affiliates in the Southeastern District. The Southeastern District is one of 12 Districts of USA Hockey. Programs wishing to start a Tier I or Tier II organization must apply to PVAHA for permission to run a USA Hockey program.

Tier I hockey, also referred to as AAA, is the highest level of hockey competition in the country. Tier I is designed for only the best and highest skill level of player and carries a higher level of commitment in schedule, travel, and cost. Tier I is divided into birth year classifications, meaning that teams are constructed of players born in a specific calendar year. Locally, Tier I teams are not allowed to be formed below the PeeWee level. Often players travel longer distances to play at the Tier I level.

The only programs approved for Tier I status in Virginia, Maryland, and DC are:
Richmond Generals
Team Maryland
Washington Little Caps
All PVAHA Tier I organizations are required to operate independently of any Tier II organization.

Tier II hockey is divided into multiple levels of play, AA, Upper A (UA), Lower A (LA), and B. Tier II hockey is more community based, with players traveling less distance to play. Tier II, while still a high level of play, typically requires a lower level of commitment and expense than Tier I. The local Tier II league is the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League (CBHL). Information about the CBHL can be found here: www.cbhl.org. There are 23 member programs in the CBHL.

Tier II programs in the Northern Virginia area include:
Ashburn Xtreme
Nova Ice Dogs
Piedmont Predators
Potomac Patriots
Reston Raiders