Tier I Hockey (AAA) is to provide an opportunity for the best Michigan youth players to develop and compete at the highest level of hockey available in the United States. For the 2021 – 2022 season there are 8 full Tier one organizations in Michigan that compete at the Squirt Major 10U, Pee Wee Minor & Major, Bantam Minor & Major, Midget Minor 15, Midget Minor 16 and Midget Major 17 & 18 levels. There is one additional team and Midget Major level, the Soo Indians.

These teams play in several highly competitive regional and national Tier 1 leagues. Beginning with the 2015 – 2016 season all Michigan Tier 1 teams must play a home and home game against all the other teams in the same age group. The results of those games will be used to determine seeding for the state tournament.