Herein lies the problem that most of us have. AAA is supposed to be the top teams in the country. If you give each USAH District 2 teams and then allow hotbeds and larger metro areas some extra teams, that probably tops at 25-30. For giggles let's say it is 50 teams. Anything beyond that is not AAA hockey.
Now, if you want to pay the same amount to play against the next group of 50 teams and justify it by how much the coach costs, and the gym fees are,etc. knock yourself out. Those of us that think it is a money grab figure you could have the same hockey experience for less money, less travel and less stress. It is your money.
Unfortunately, this is the state of youth sports today. It is a $15.5 Billion market. Enjoy your sportcation this summer.