Western Cup 2026 Registration
Skill Ranking Descriptions
Level 1 - Beginner/Novice
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates but still have a hard time with skating both forward and backwards. They’ve acquired some basic skills to get up and down the ice but still struggle with carrying the puck, making passes, and taking shots. Players in this group would also include those who are not natural athletes and may take more time to develop their skills. The level of physicality in this game should be nil although players should understand that accidental collisions will occur because players haven’t mastered controlled skating.
Level 2.5
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are comfortable skating forward and can now skate backwards comfortably. They are starting to understand positioning, team concepts, can skate backwards, but are still working on stick handling, passing, crossovers etc.
Level 1.5 - Mid-Beginner/Novice
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates but still have a hard time with skating both forward and backwards. They’ve acquired some basic skills to get up and down the ice but still struggle with carrying the puck, making passes, and taking shots. Players in this group would also include those who are not natural athletes and may take more time to develop their skills. The level of physicality in this game should be nil although players should understand that accidental collisions will occur because players haven’t mastered controlled skating.
Level 3 - Low Intermediate
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are the great wide middle of adult recreational hockey. Most Level 3 skaters have not had significant coaching or played significant youth hockey as a child, but are generally athletic, have good knowledge of the game, skating and puck handling skills and can play at a general competitive level. Some Level 3 skaters may be slowing with age and moving down from higher ranks.
Simply put, Level 3 players are average in most areas of the game.
Level 2 - Advanced Novice
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates, but still struggle going backwards. They are probably just getting comfortable with positional play, learning to skate with head up, learning the rules, team concepts and understand offensive and defensive zones.
Level 3.5
Skaters and goaltenders at this level are comfortable in a fast paced game and are able to keep up with the play. They are in average physical shape.
Level 4.5
Skaters and goaltenders at this level play at a high level in all areas of the game. They understand the rules, team concepts, are skilled a stick handling, passing, puck control etc. They are in good physical shape.
Level 5 - Advanced
Skaters and goaltenders at this level play at a high level in all areas of the game. They understand the rules, team concepts, are skilled a stick handling, passing, puck control etc. They are in above average physical shape. Current or former WHL, CHL, Junior A or Major Junior players.