Have you ever received an email about a league that you have NEVER heard about? We decided that we had to make a quick post about this since we get this question ALL THE TIME. So if you’re also curious about this question, stick around to see our thoughts on some of the less well known junior hockey leagues in Canada!
**NOTE: This is not the most current list**
Sanctioned Leagues:
1. KIJHL (Tier II)
- 4 conferences with 5 teams within each = 20 teams
- On average each team plays approx. 44 games per season
- Recently upgraded to Tier 2 Jr. A by Hockey Canada
- AHA Opinion: Despite the upgrade to tier 2 Jr. A, still not as good as the BCHL but is a good spot to play if your goal is to play NCAA DIII. We rank it slightly below the MJHL and above the NOJHL in terms of calibre.
2. VIJHL (Tier II)
- 2 divisions with 11 teams overall
- Recently upgraded to Tier 2 Jr. A by Hockey Canada
- AHA Opinion: Upgraded to The calibre is a slight tier below the KIJHL. VIJHL would be close, if not parallel, to the NOJHL in terms of calibre.
3. PJHL (Tier III)
- 8 divisions with 63 teams
- AHA Opinion: Similar to the USPHL Premier, slightly lower calibre overall, and with the biggest difference is that PJHL is sanctioned under Hockey Canada, which means that you cannot just leave for another team without a trade. If you decide to play in this league, make sure that you play for a TOP TEAM. You’ll typically end up playing ACHA if you play in this league.
Unsanctioned Leagues:
1. CAJHL
- 1 division with 5 teams
- Teams fully located in Alberta, CA
2. MMJHL
- 1 division with 8 teams
- Don’t let the “Major Junior” in the name confuse you, it is not a major junior hockey league; in the west the Major Junior league is the WHL
- It does serve as an affiliate to the MJHL
3. NJHL
- 1 division with 8 teams
- Very large emphasis on Indigenous culture and continues to expand.
Overall AHA Opinion on the CAJHL, MMJHL, and NJHL: There are many other leagues that are better options if your goal is to move onto college hockey.
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