Standardized Tiering

The Standardized Tiering Model is a key component of the Alberta One initiative, where Hockey Alberta and its Minor Leagues work together to build a unified structure and strategic model that enables Leagues to adopt the same tiering, seasonal structure and other operational processes.:

• Hockey Calgary
• Hockey Edmonton
• Central Alberta Hockey League
• Northern Alberta Interlock
• All Peace Hockey League
• North Eastern Alberta Hockey League

Under the Alberta One Standardized Tiering Model, leagues/ organizations operate six tiers within the divisions of U11, U13, U15 and U18. Larger leagues/ organizations can split tiers into more manageable groups based on number of teams and travel. Smaller leagues/ organizations may not operate all six tiers within a division but will follow a grid that determines the number of tiers based on the total number of teams at a division.

The Alberta One Standardized Tiering Grid provides all Minor Hockey Associations a starting point for the placement of their teams within a specific division with teams then proceeding through tiering rounds with final placement determined by the policies within the individual league. Having now completed one season under the tiering model, Hockey Alberta’s Minor Leagues Committee has made a few adjustments to the Alberta One Standardized Tiering Grid. Specifically, the changes to the Tiering Grid come where associations are required to have multiple Tier 1 teams based on the number of teams they have within a division.

All leagues/ organizations utilize the Alberta One Standardized Tiering Grid as a starting point in their tiering placement. The grid provides all Minor Hockey Associations a starting point for the placement of their teams within a specific division. Teams then proceed through tiering rounds for final placement determined by policies of the individual league.

Tiering Model and Grid

* U11 HADP – Associations with three (3) or fewer teams during the previous season are required to apply to Hockey Alberta in order to host a team under the Pilot Project.
** U11 HADP – Associations with nine (9) or 10 teams during the previous season will be required to apply to Hockey Alberta in order to host two (2) teams under the Pilot Project.
*** U11 HADP – Associations with 11 teams during the previous season will be required to host two (2) teams under the Pilot Project.