About AAA Hockey

AAA Hockey (Tier I), represents the highest level of competitive youth hockey in the United States granted by USA Hockey, the national governing body for amateur and Olympic hockey. The Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI) is the affiliate that establishes these designations within Illinois.
AAA Hockey attracts elite players demanding a level of commitment from both players and their families. This includes on-ice training approximately 5 days a week, travel, and financial investment. Teams typically play between 55+  games per season, with 2-3 practices per week, and games, tournaments or showcases on the weekends. 
AAA hockey begins at age 9 birth year specific until players reach 17, where they move to a dual birth year 17/18 year old team.  
Tryouts are held each year, usually in May for the 9u - 14u teams. 15o, 16u and 18u teams hold tryouts towards the end of May.  Generally, teams roster 15-20 players each season. Following the guidelines of AHAI, our practice schedule begins in August and proceeds through March. Once the season concludes, our spring program will begin in April and run through tryouts in May. Our spring program will participate in 1-2 optional tournaments.  Optional dryland training is also offered. Spring hockey is a great opportunity to introduce players to the coaching staff for the upcoming season. 
Playing AAA hockey offers a higher level of competition, more exposure, and better opportunities for development for aspiring players.  It can be a stepping stone to junior hockey, college hockey and potentially a professional career.

Chicago Phantoms AAA Hockey Club