Team Structure

In the United States, USA Hockey designates the levels, ages and classifications for youth or minor hockey.   Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the terminology as they are referenced herein. 

• Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA".
• Tier 2: Also called "AA".
• Tier 3: Also called Recreational/Developmental: Includes house league and select. “A”, "B", "C", or “House League” are levels within this Tier.

Page Updated July 12, 2025

8U OVERVIEW: (BIRTH YEARS 2017, 2018, 2019)

This division includes players between the ages of 6-8. Practice ice times will average 2 times a week and will vary based on previously planned and/or added Pavilion events. Practices will be shared ice with the younger age groups. Games will be scheduled in accordance with OSHA league rules, which include some limitations on travel. Additional games may be scheduled outside of Oregon as available. Referees for games may sometimes be coaches. As skills develop, it may be appropriate towards the 2nd half of the season to provide opportunities for higher skilled players to compete in higher level (“A”) tournaments. Games will be played “cross-ice”. Athletes should have at least one year of skating and hockey experience.

10U OVERVIEW: (BIRTH YEARS 2015 & 2016)

This division includes players between the ages of 9-10. We are anticipating approximately 19 athletes and will field one team within this age division . A robust game schedule is being planned to provide a variety of opportunities based on the skill variation inherent in this age division, Games will be half-ice for most of the year with some full-ice games scheduled for the later part of the season.

Practice ice times will average 2 times a week and will vary based on previously planned and/or added Pavilion events. Practices will be shared ice with the younger age groups. Games will be scheduled in accordance with OSHA league rules, which include some limitations on travel and full ice play. Additional games may be scheduled throughout the Pacific Northwest.

12U OVERVIEW: (BIRTH YEARS 2013 & 2014)

This division includes players between the ages of 11-12. We are anticipating approximately 24 athletes in this age division and if estimates are correct, two teams are planned (green & white). The teams will participate at the competitive ("A" / "B") levels; also considered Rep and Development levels. The Rep team will target “A” or Rep-level tournaments; these will likely be out of state. The Development team will target “B” level tournaments and the state jamboree. “A” level tournaments are typically more expensive and those additional costs will be distributed to the team competing in them. Each team will have separate head coaches and team managers. 

Tryouts/evaluations are open to all players and will be held during the first week of practice. The total number of teams created and level of play for teams created will be dependent upon the total number of players in the age division and their ability as assessed by the evaluators. Players can move between A and B teams, at the coaching staff’s discretion until Jan 1, 2025.

Practice ice times will average 2 times a week and will vary based on previously planned and/or added Pavilion events. Practices will consist of full and shared ice.

14U OVERVIEW: (BIRTH YEARS 2011 & 2012)

This division includes players between the ages of 13-14. We are anticipating approximately 18 athletes and we will field one team within this age division . 

Practice ice times will average 2 times a week and will vary based on previously planned and/or added Pavilion events. Practices are full ice, except when overlaps occur with other teams.

16U A / 18U B: (BIRTH YEARS 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)

This division includes players between the ages of 15-18. We are anticipating approximately 16 athletes (a mix of local and non-local).  

Practice ice times at the Pavilion in Bend will average 2 times a week and will vary based on previously planned and/or added Pavilion events. Practices are full ice, except when overlaps occur with other teams. 

The goal is for out-of-town players to practice with their home associations teams, but travel with us, as long as their association is in agreement with that. It is possible we might also have a couple whole-team practices when ice permits

18U AA OREGON SELECTS: (BIRTH YEARS 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Our goal is to put forward a competitive 18U AA, Tier II National Bound team. This division includes players in 2007 and 2008 birth years, with the possible addition of some 2008 or 2009 players. Players will participate in Tier II games and tournaments around the Pacific Northwest. 

We are targeting 5-6 tournament weekends, plus regular games against teams in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Some tournaments might require flights to attend, including Nationals should they qualify. The team will be hosted by the Bend Rapids, but will allow for collaboration with other associations. Home ice for Bend is the Pavilion, and practices will be in the morning 2-3 times per week. 

The goal is for out-of-town players to practice with their home associations’ 16/18U teams, but travel with us, as long as their association is in agreement with that. It is possible we might also have a couple whole-team practices when ice permits.