Note:  NEW USA Hockey Body Checking Rules apply.  Notes regarding Canadian teams.

Little "NHL" Divisions  These unique divisions are for skaters either 6 & under (born 2005 later) or 7 & under (born 2004 or earlier). This is NOT a Beginner Division ! These players are generally House League Select Level or Travel level. We will divide each age group up into separate skill levels if enough teams are entered. March 16-18.

Regular House "AA": The House League "AA" designation is used in just a few areas which have a large House league enrollment. The "AA" class indicates a more experienced (usually older skaters) skill level. In the Pepsi Hockey Tournament the "AA" House League designation MUST participate at the House League Select Level on March 16-18 or March 30-April 1. Note if your team has Tryouts you must participate at the Travel Level on April 5-7, 2012. No Exceptions !)

Regular House "A": The House League "A" designation is used in certain regions and localities which have a large House league enrollment. The "A" class usually indicates a slightly more experienced (usually older skaters) skill level. NOT all areas designate "A" or "B" so these teams must be placed within the appropriate level based on team age, record and experience. March 9-11 or March 23-25.

Regular House "B": The House League "B" designation is used in certain regions and localities which have a large House league enrollment. The "B" class usually indicates a slightly less experienced (usually younger skaters) skill level. NOT all areas designate "A" or "B" so these teams must be placed within the appropriate level based on team age, record and experience. March 9-11 or March 23-25.

House "Select": These teams are comprised of House League players only. However, they are the stronger house league player and the teams are either formed in the beginning of the season from the House League enrollment and play together for the full year. Or they are "selected" from existing house teams and play together as a tournament or exhibition team. March 16-18 or March 30-April 1.

Canadian  "AE" Teams: These Travel teams are usually 2nd or 3rd level Travel teams from CAHA/OMHA or USA Hockey associations. Lower Level Rep teams may also be accepted based on competitive level. April 5-7, 2012

US Tier II: These are usually 2nd level Travel teams (Tier I would indicate the best players) from USA Hockey associations. Sometimes these teams are also called "AA" Travel teams. This class would correspond (generally) to Canadian "A" or "B" teams. April 5-7, 2012

US Tier III: These are usually 3rd level Travel teams from USA Hockey associations. Tema compete well at the House League level.  And the weaker Tier III teams are the equivalent of a Regular House team. These entries are dealt with on an individual basis.

Pepsi Hockey Invitational * 2012 Age Classifications

• Little NHL Ages Calendar Year teams: 6 & under (Born 2005) and 7 & under (Born 2004)

• Mite /(Canadian Novice) Ages Mixed Aged teams: Born in 2003 & 2004

• Squirt /(Canadian Atom) Ages Mixed Aged teams: Born in 2001 & 2002

• Pee Wee Mixed Aged teams: Born in 1999 & 2000

• Bantam Mixed Aged teams: Born in 1997 & 1998

Admission / Placement Policy

The Pepsi tournament reserves the right to place teams in a division which we feel they will be most competitive. Since classifications and skill levels are not standard, and vary between locations and regions, it is necessary to sometimes place teams in divisions that they are not designated for. Matching from one region of the country to another is a difficult but not impossible task. We will evaluate all information we receive from a team on an individual basis and will enter teams in what we feel is the appropriate division.