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You do not need to be 6’2 to play college hockey. There are 5’11 - 6’0 goaltenders in the NHL right now, meanwhile NCAA hockey. With that said, the smaller goalies usually possesses top tier athleticism and reaction time. One of those can be improved, the other is genetic. I think the most important thing when looking for a place for your goalie to play is coaching. Will the goalie get access to goalie specific training or is he going be there for target practice, for his teammates? AAA hockey for a goalie is not the end all be all at the younger ages. I would place quality of ice time and instruction way ahead on the list of priorities and if that’s an AAA program great, if it’s an AA program great.

She never said someone said he was getting a college scholarship-she said “maybe a little help with college would be nice,” which I’m sure every parent has said about a sport or academics. She said the goalie coach said to shoot for AAA.

Wow, I am extremely overwhelmed by all of this. I'm brand new here and found this site for help. I'm trying to get some insight and just got the pants scared off of me. My son just finished up his first year as a travel goalie. He did well and received a lot of praise from quite a few coaches at the rink. We have some building to do but he would love to try out for PPE (he is just more exposed to that team). I don't think he's quite ready...maturity wise more so than skill. This post has my head spinning. Do we or don't we (for any AAA team)? Is it worth it? Is it really that political? Are they all that political? If you make a name somewhere, would another team want you? Is this how nasty things get? I've been researching a lot about the Vengeance and Esmark....and they are located closer to us but would he even stand a chance at any of these teams (with the idea that he is actually good enough). This is all very disheartening seeing how mean people can be. His goalie coach suggests that we shoot for the AAA level of playing (not saying he's NHL material, but maybe a little help with college would be nice). I guess my son isn't the only one who is going to have to develop a thick skin if we travel this route. His mom and dad are too. Signed, A Disheartened Goalie Mom

Until the scouts come knocking, the driver should only be fun - for both your player and you. Remember, it's a game. Don't get caught up in all these labels like "Elite", "AAA", "AA". You will surely hear from coaches and other hockey parents if there is any possibility of your player playing at a higher level. For now, focus on the fun, and you will be glad that you did.