Canada is well known for its scenery, maple syrup and ice hockey. Ice hockey originally started in Canada, and this is a fact that Canadians are proud of for a good reason. Canada is home to the best ice hockey players and the best leagues. We researched and found Canada’s best ice hockey leagues and a new 3on3 league known as 3ICE.
Without further ado, let’s look at these leagues and what they offer.
Glancing at the best hockey leagues in Canada
The ice hockey leagues in Canada are very competitive. Before players reach the National Hockey League, they play in the AAA leagues. The AAA League is the highest league a player can play in besides the NFL in Northern America.
In the United States of America, this league is the tier 1 hockey league. The leagues we will look at are the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), Saskatchewan male u18 AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL), Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHl), Quebec Junior Hockey League, Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL), Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League and the 3ice League.
Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
The Canadian Hockey League consists of three different leagues, namely the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). All three of these leagues run on their own, and the winner of each league (plus a host team) go head to head for the Memorial Cup, which represents the national winner.
Saskatchewan Male u18 aaa Hockey League (SMAAAHL)
The league is located in Saskatchewan, Canada. The league is known as the best in the province. Only players 18 years or under are allowed to compete in this league.
Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL)
The GTHL is the most prominent minor hockey organization globally, and it’s sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. The GTHL was formerly known as the Metro Toronto Hockey League. It’s also a AAA league that is located in Ontario, Canada.
Quebec Junior Hockey League (QJHL)
The QJHL is part of Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League situated in Quebec, Canada. The winners of this youth league will go head to head with the winners of the CJAHL AND MHL for the Fred Page Cup.
Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL)
Another AAA hockey league is central to Alberta, Canada. There are 18 youth teams in this league that are all from Alberta. The winners of this league will face British Columbia Major Midget Hockey League Champions for the coveted Telus Cup.
Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League
The Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League is only for hockey players 15 years and younger. The AAA provincial league in Albert, Canada, the AAA local league is sanctioned under Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta.
3ICE Hockey League
The new 3ICE Hockey League is the latest league that Canada has produced. It is a fast-paced league that is tailored and made for the enjoyment of the fans. It features three on three matches against former NHL stars and players from the AAA leagues. The Canada Hockey League 3ICE adds another twist to this league in that six of the eight coaches are Hockey Hall of Famers. The 3ICE Hockey League is an elimination tournament, and each week they compete in a new city for nine weeks straight.
Conclusion
Ice Hockey is a great sport, and Canadians play the sport well. Whether you watch the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), Quebec Junior Hockey League (QJHL) or the new 3ICE Hockey League each of them will deliver mind-blowing entertainment over and over. Out of all these leagues we mentioned, they have one thing in common you will get your adrenaline rush from ice hockey.
