Tuesday, March 19, 2024

This is an explanation of the Cincinnati Adult Hockey Leagues Division Levels, skill levels and days of the week games are played. Some other cities label their divisions with A-D, we assign this as 1-5 (1 being the highest skilled players) with sub-divisions (a though d).

Those subdivisions that have North and South are divided per league manager due to the amount of teams we have (consider it like an East / West Conference type of thing) so teams are not just playing “one other team” just once in a season enhancing the league experience; however during playoffs, teams may play teams either N/S division based on the season statistics.

There may be exceptions to game days depending on rink availability, especially during the winter season.

DivisionGame DaysRink(s)Description
DIVISION 1MON/TUE (SUN)Sports Plus, NorthlandSemi-professional players / collegiate or pro level abilities

Might be someone you know active or retired from the NHL / ECHL etc picking up some social time, you never know!
DIVISION 2AMON/TUE (SUN)Sports Plus, NorthlandFor those players who have never stopped playing including semi-pro and collegiate skill levels 
DIVISION 2B
TUE (SUN)Sports Plus, NorthlandMaybe past college-level skills or returning semi-pro after a few years off?
DIVISION 3A
TUE (SUN)Sports Plus, NorthlandPast High School Experience / or College-Level or returning from those after a few years?
DIVISION 3BWED, SUNSports Plus, NorthlandThis is where speed and teamwork really starts to show. Organized play, skating abilities and shooting on net is more accurate and strategic (eg teamwork to score often).
DIVISION 4AWED, SUNSports Plus, Northland Varies Dramatically 
DIVISION 4BTHR/SUN, (FRI/SAT)Sports Plus, NorthlandFaster paced compared to the lower levels of play but not by much. First division where gameplay can become strategy, eye contact and communications.
DIVISION 4B NORTH / SOUTHTHR/SUN, (FRI/SAT)Sports Plus, NorthlandSee: 4b

Due to the amount of players in D4B, we have divided this division up into two “conferences” of equal abilities.
DIVISION 4CTHR/SUN (FRI/SAT)Sports Plus, NorthlandMinimal organizational teamwork / skills; a little more passing but might not always be accurate? The beginning skills of basic organization, occasional break outs. Great level to work on the basic ice hockey skills.
DIVISION 5AFRI/SATSports Plus, NorthlandRollerblade / Street Hockey Experience Only ish?
Basic skills known. Can make a pass / work with your team but still may struggle with keeping head up? No judgement in D5
DIVISION 5BFRI / SATSports Plus, NorthlandLowest level of play regarding regular / returning players & established teams.

Focus: Skill building, teamwork, basic plays

Details: Just for fun / a safe place for those of us who may still struggle with skating, stopping or just trying to hold onto the puck or make a pass.

Enforced: anyone that stands out from the rest of the players will be required to move to a higher division.
DIVISION 5CFRI / SAT (SUN)All RinksBeginners / New Skaters Only
FRIDAY / SAT NIGHTFRI/SATNorthland OnlySee notes: D4 – D3 ish
MONDAY NIGHT DRAFT
aka Lower Draft League
MONNorthland OnlyBeginners / New Skaters through Middle D4. More relaxed play with only one referee. Set Schedule. Players are evenly placed on teams based on their ability as decided by the League Manager.

Great for players seeking extra ice time or for new players to join who do not have a team yet or are looking to jump on board in between regular CAHL seasons.
TUESDAY NIGHT DRAFT
aka Upper Draft League
 TUECanada Rink (SP)Middle D4 – D3. More relaxed play than the regular CAHL season with only one referee. Set Schedule. Players are evenly placed on teams based on their ability as decided by the League Manager.

Great for players seeking extra ice time or for new players to join who do not have a team yet or are looking to jump on board in between regular CAHL seasons.
Parenthesis = Occasionally

Sports Plus is home to both the Canadian Rink (CAN) and USA Rinks (USA) abbreviated (SP) above.

Most games are 6pm or later on weekdays and 4pm or later on weekends. Games could start as late as 10:30pm weekdays and 11:30pm on weekends (Fri & Sat nights). There will occasionally be a 1pm – 3pm weekend game, especially during playoffs when ice time is limited.

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