The Road to Junior Hockey: What Every Parent Needs to Know

March 18, 2025

Focused teenage hockey player in helmet, symbolizing dedication on the path to junior hockey

Is your child dreaming of playing junior hockey?

You're not alone. Many hockey parents are trying to navigate the complicated landscape of junior hockey leagues—from the CHL and Junior A to Tier II and Junior B. But with so many options, figuring out the best path forward can be overwhelming.

I’ve been in your shoes. As a hockey parent, I created this blog to help you avoid common mistakes, understand the system, and give your player the best chance to succeed.

Understanding the Path to Junior Hockey

There’s no single path to junior hockey—and that’s what makes it both exciting and confusing. Here's a breakdown of the most common routes:

✅ CHL (OHL, WHL, QMJHL): Major Junior hockey — the fastest path to the pros and, as of 2025, potentially still eligible for NCAA.

✅ Junior A/Tier I: (BCHL, AJHL, OJHL, NAHL): High-level competition with NCAA eligibility intact.

✅ Junior B & Tier II: Strong developmental leagues, great for younger players working toward Junior A or CHL opportunities.

Tip: Each league has different exposure levels, eligibility rules, and competition. Knowing the pros and cons of each helps you support your child’s long-term goals.

How to Get Noticed by Junior Hockey Scouts

Scouts aren't just focused on points. They’re watching for skating ability, hockey sense, attitude, and development potential.

Here’s what your player should focus on:

Skating: Speed and edge work are crucial in today’s fast-paced game.
Hockey IQ: Making smart plays under pressure shows maturity and coachability.
Character: Scouts want team-first players with great body language and effort.
Off-Ice Training: A well-conditioned athlete stands out—both in testing and late in games.

“You don’t need to be the best today—just the one who improves the most over time.”

The Reality of Junior Hockey: Prepare for the Grind

Junior hockey isn’t just about making a team. It’s about sustaining the journey—and that journey comes with travel, billet families, increased competition, and pressure.

As a parent, be ready to:

What’s Next?

I’ll be diving deeper into each topic in future posts:

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🔗 Bonus Resource: Check out our guide: The Junior & AAA Hockey Parent Survival Guide