Level 1 – Beginner

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates but still have a hard time with skating both forward and backwards. They’ve acquired some basic skills to get up and down the ice but still struggle with carrying the puck, making passes, and taking shots. Players in this group would also include those who are not natural athletes and may take more time to develop their skills. The level of physicality in this game should be nil although players should understand that accidental collisions will occur because players haven’t mastered controlled skating.

Skill Indicators:

• Very limited skating ability; forward movement is inconsistent
• Cannot stop reliably or skate backward
• No formal hockey experience or game play
• Basic stickhandling and shooting are underdeveloped
• Learning rules, positions, and ice awareness
• No intentional physicality; accidental contact may occur

Level 1.5 Lower Novice

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates but still have a hard time with skating both forward and backwards. They’ve acquired some basic skills to get up and down the ice but still struggle with carrying the puck, making passes, and taking shots. Players in this group would also include those who are not natural athletes and may take more time to develop their skills. The level of physicality in this game should be nil although players should understand that accidental collisions will occur because players haven’t mastered controlled skating.

Skill Indicators:

• Can skate forward more comfortably but lacks fluidity
• Backward skating still very limited or unstable
• Beginning to understand gameplay concepts, but execution is inconsistent
• Puck control, passing, and shooting remain rudimentary
• Physical and game awareness still low

Level 2 – Novice

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates, but still struggle going backwards. They are probably just getting comfortable with positional play, learning to skate with head up, learning the rules, team concepts and understand offensive and defensive zones.

Skill Indicators:

• Can skate forward with balance and stop with some control
• Backward skating developing but not game-ready
• Can handle the puck and make basic passes/shots while moving slowly
• Beginning to skate with head up and recognize zones
• Learning team systems and basic offensive/defensive roles

Level 2.5 – Upper Novice

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are comfortable skating forward and can now skate backwards comfortably. They are starting to understand positioning, team concepts, can skate backwards, but are still working on stick handling, passing, crossovers etc.

Skill Indicators:

• Semi-comfortable skating forward and backward
• Developing crossovers and edge control
• Starting to contribute in team systems and zone awareness
• Stickhandling and passing showing early signs of control
• Still inconsistent under pressure

Level 3 – Low Intermediate

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are the great wide middle of adult recreational hockey. Most Level 3 skaters have not had significant coaching or played significant youth hockey as a child, but are generally athletic, have good knowledge of the game, skating and puck handling skills and can play at a general competitive level. Some Level 3 skaters may be slowing with age and moving down from higher ranks.

Simply put, Level 3 players are average in most areas of the game.

Skill Indicators:

• Comfortable and semi-confident skating in both directions
• Solid understanding of positioning and flow of play
• Capable of passing, receiving, and shooting in motion
• Plays within structured game environments with consistency
• Average to above-average across all skill areas

Level 3.5 – Intermediate

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are comfortable in a fast paced game and are able to keep up with the play. They are in average physical shape. Skating, stick handling, passing, and shooting skills are in the 5 to 6 out of 10 range.

Skill Indicators:

• Consistent skating, including transitions and agility
• Above-average puck control, passing, and game reads
• Anticipates plays and supports both offensively and defensively
• Understands breakout, cycling, and positioning roles
• Average or better physical conditioning

Level 4 – Advanced

Skaters and goaltenders have substantial hockey abilities, skills, knowledge, and experience. Most Level 4’s have been coached and have played considerable hockey in the past.

Skill Indicators:

• Smooth, agile skating and excellent edge control
• Precise passing and puck handling under pressure
• Accurate shooting and quick decision-making
• Strong team awareness, communication, and positioning
• Regularly contributes to playmaking in higher-level rec or competitive play

Level 4.5 – High Advanced

Skaters and goaltenders at this level play at a high level in all areas of the game. They understand the rules, team concepts, are skilled a stick handling, passing, puck control etc. This may include College Club hockey. They are in good physical shape.

Skill Indicators:

• High-level puck handling and vision
• Quick, confident execution under pressure
• Excellent understanding of offensive and defensive systems
• Strong conditioning and game endurance
• Generally played high-level youth, junior, or competitive adult leagues

Level 5 – Semi-Elite/Professional

Skaters and goaltenders at this level play at a high level in all areas of the game. They understand the rules, team concepts, are skilled at stick handling, passing, puck control, etc. They are in above average physical shape. Current or former WHL, CHL, Junior A or Major Junior players.

Skill Indicators:

• Highly skilled skater with excellent speed and agility
• Elite-level stickhandling, passing, and shooting
• Drives pace of play and adapts to game flow
• Superior understanding of systems, pressure reads, and zone transitions
• In peak or near-peak physical shape

Level 6 – Elite/Professional

Skaters and goaltenders at this level are current or former elite & professional athletes (Olympic, NHL or AHL, or very high caliber WHL/CHL). They are in top athletic and physical shape and are likely to diet, exercise and train a rigid levels.

Skill Indicators:

• World-class skating, puck control, and reaction time
• Elite hockey IQ and execution
• Anticipates and controls game tempo with ease
• Physically dominant; tactically unmatched
• Play(ed) in NHL, AHL, Olympics, or equivalent tiers