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Youth

Hockey is Great for Boys and Girls!

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association wants everyone to have the opportunity to experience the joy of playing hockey. That is why we provide a variety of hockey programs for people to choose from. Through our associations, we offer teams for player’s ages 3-18 and from learn to skate to AAA elite hockey and every level in between. MAHA probably offers one the most the most diverse programs in the country, with teams and programs at almost every level there is. MAHA affiliates also present opportunities for junior hockey, disabled hockey, adult men and women leagues.

Youth Hockey helps develop smart, active, great kids. Hockey is a very skilled sport and the development of these skills instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence in players of all ages. Hockey is great fun too! To find Hockey in your area simply use our Find Hockey in Michigan to locate a program or rink near you.

Want to try hockey without the commitment of a full season? Many local associations participate in our Try Hockey For Free program, sponsored by the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. These events give you the perfect chance to see if you like hockey.

Out of District Request

Michigan resident players of any age classification are permitted to play for an Association/Club that has the Michigan rink closest to their residence, based on shortest distance via roads according to Google Maps, and will not be counted as an Out of District player if it is beyond District Boundaries.

To submit a request, please click on the link below.

MAHA Tier 1 Organization Application

Starting with the 2015-2016 season, Tier 1 organizations must be approved by the State Playoff Committee to exist at that level.

MAHA Rule # VI, M, 1 is as follows:

d. To qualify as a Tier I Organization the following criteria must be followed:

(1) Not more than (10) Tier 1 organizations will be awarded on an annual basis for a period from September 1st to August 31st. An application must be sent to the State Playoff Committee Chairperson for consideration not later than November 1st of the year prior to the season’s start. The State Playoff Committee will determine the number of Tier I Organizations for the next season: up to six in Districts 2, 3, 4 combined; up to one in District 5; up to two in District 6; and one in Districts 7 and 8 combined. In addition to the above, the two Tier I 18<u teams existing as of June, 2014 in Districts 7 and 8 are grandfathered.

Upon dissolution of these two teams, they shall not be replaced other than via the provisions of this rule. The State Playoff Committee will make their decisions no later than the Annual Winter meeting of the preceding season. Each organization is limited to one team at each age classification.

(2) Each Tier I Organizations must have teams at the following recognized AAA levels: Pee Wee Minor & Major, Bantam Minor & Major, Midget Minor 15, Midget Minor 16 and Midget Major 17 & 18. Organizations wishing to apply without a full complement of teams may do so, but must provide a 5-year plan that demonstrates a sustainable program working towards having teams at all the recognized levels.

(3) Tier I organizations are limited to (10) non-Michigan players per organization with no more than (6) non-Michigan players on any one team.

(4) Tier I Organizations will have to reapply each year to maintain their Tier I status. Returning Organizations will have preference, but will not be guaranteed a Tier I status each year.

The application form for a Tier 1 Organization to apply is shown below. Applications are due by November 1st of each year.


2022 - 2023 Michigan Residency

Per the MAHA Pilot Program Out of State Player Requirements approved on Jan, 2023:
•    Tier I organizations are limited in the number of non-Michigan (out of state) players per organization.  
•    Non-Michigan players will be defined as players who were rostered with USA Hockey outside of Michigan during their first regular season of play after the 8U age classification.
•    Once a player is considered/determined to be an out of state player, that player will be considered an out of state player no matter how long they play in Michigan.
•    A player whose entire family has moved to and become residents of the state of Michigan for reasons other than to play hockey, may apply for acceptance as a Michigan resident player.  The Executive Board which will review the provided documents and have the final approval.  

Inter-State Release for Tier 2 & Tier 3 Players

Tier 2 or Tier 3 players that live close to the state lines and do not have a place to play and/or the rink in the other affiliate is the closest option, must obtain a release in order to roster in the Affiliate that is not where their residence is.

Any players coming into Michigan from border states will be asked to get a release from either Mid-am (Ohio and Indiana) or Wisconsin prior to being able to roster with one of our associations. Likewise, players leaving Michigan and going to those states must have MAHA signoff to roster in the other Affiliate.

Please fill out the form below and send it to the appropriate MAHA authority. If you coming to Michigan you must have the release completed by the other affiliate. It would then go to the Chairperson of the District that oversees the Association you will be participating with.  If you leaving Michigan, the Chairperson of the District that oversees the Association you are currently participating with must signoff on the release.

Registration Link for Tier 1 Residency Application