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 May 28 2026

8U OVERVIEW (BIRTH YEARS 2018, 2019, & 2020)

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. Tournaments are planned, including the State Jamboree.

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 2016 & 2017)

This division includes players between the ages of 9-10. We are anticipating approximately 12-15 athletes and will field one team within this age division. Games will be scheduled in accordance with OSHA league rules, which include some limitations on travel and full ice play. Additional non-league games (friendlies) may be scheduled throughout the Pacific Northwest as opportunities arise. Tournaments are planned, including the State Jamboree. 

Games will be half-ice for most of the year with some full-ice games scheduled for the later part of the season. On-ice practice 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. 

12U OVERVIEW (BIRTH YEARS 2014 & 2015)

This division includes players between the ages of 11-12. We are anticipating approximately 14-16 athletes and 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 will consist of full and shared ice. OSHA games will be scheduled based on league rules. Tournaments are planned and, if qualified, the State Championships.

Based on the skill variation as observed in this age division, it may be appropriate to provide opportunities for athletes to compete in additional higher level tournaments out- of-state at an additional per-tournament cost. This is to be determined. 

14U OVERVIEW (BIRTH YEARS 2012 & 2013)

The 14U model will look a little different than previous seasons. It’s based on a collaborative effort with other Associations with the goal of ensuring players benefit from a consistent team environment and have the opportunity to grow, be challenged, and enjoy appropriate competitive experiences.

This division includes players between the ages of 13-14. We are anticipating 20 local athletes, plus an additional number of out-of-area athletes. Three teams will be formed:

Bend Rapids OSHA Team

The foundation of the 14U program is the all-Rapids OSHA team playing a regular season, and if qualified, the State Championships. OSHA games will be scheduled based on league rules. Practices 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.

Bend Rapids Tournament Team

This team will be a combination of Bend and Medford athletes. They will compete in B level tournaments around the Pacific Northwest and California. 

Cascade Selects AA Tournament Team 

Athletes on this team qualified based on the previously held tryouts and are a combination of local and out-of-area athletes. Competition in A/AA level tournaments are planned and intended to take place on weekends when OSHA games are not scheduled. Out-of-area athletes will practice with their home Association. 

16U AA CASCADE SELECTS OVERVIEW (BIRTH YEARS 2010 & 2011)

This division includes players between the ages of 15-16. Our goal is to put forward a competitive 16U AA, Tier II National Tournament Bound team. Players will participate in Tier II games and tournaments around the Pacific Northwest. Athletes on this team qualified based on the previously held tryouts and are a combination of local and out-of-area athletes. 

This team will compete in the Northwest Amateur Hockey League (NWAHL), and tournaments and super-weekends are planned. 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-area 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.

18U OVERVIEW (BIRTH YEARS 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)

This division includes players between the ages of 15-18. We are anticipating 12-15 athletes and will field one team within this age division. There is a possibility of inviting out-of-area athletes from other Oregon clubs to round out the roster. Stay tuned for more information on this.

Practices 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. OSHA games will be scheduled based on league rules. Tournaments are planned and, if qualified, the state championships.