The Age to Play in AIHL or PIHA

[njdevils923]

What is the minimum age for someone to play in the AIHL or PIHA?

[treytai]

16 for minors and 18 for pro.

[GROWL]

The answer to that question for the AIHL is expected to be different after a vote that is set to take place this week on the subject.

[njdevils923]

what are they voting on a lower age or making it a higher age

[growl89]

The answer to that question for the AIHL is expected to be different after a vote that is set to take place this week on the subject.

I hope there is no consideration for going younger than 18 for the pro/elite.

[hockeymum]

I would be curious to know the reasoning behind any proposal to lower the minimum age in either league, I am sure it will be discussed soon enough. I would be interested to hear what others think and why. In what ways to you think it helps/hinders the league?

[Mlrhnorthfan]

i would be interested in hearing both sides of the argument.

Personally I do not think 16/17 year olds belong in the elite/pro division.

while the talent may be there the maturity physically/mentally will not be there. Though there may be exceptions to be sure...but thats what the rule should be....by exception and not by rule.

The difference in play here in the new england division between elite and minor is huge both in terms of speed and physical play.

i see an argument that some under 18s may be 'too good' for the minors level. however, we are not doing the right thing if we let these young kids play and potentially get hurt in the elite levels.

[HockeyFan1989]

I think that you shouldnt be able to play in the elite division or minor division if you're under 18. The minimum age for the NHL and the AHL is 18, and obviously this league is a long way away from NHL standards, but are they so bad to follow? Something is working over there.. However, I think an alternative of what to do with these players that are under the age of 18, would be to have a Junior Division. Have each team have a Junior team as well as a Minor team, maybe play less games, 20 or so. This could allow for a more structured league (not that it doesnt have structure now), and the growth and development of players.

[DCbullets14]

I think that this goes beyond skill level... there are alot of legal issues to consider. I think putting a 17year old on the rink with adults just creates a situation where bad things can happen.

[rollerhocke2233]

well from what ive seen in these leagues which may not be much compared to others is that there are older people in the minors so why shouldnt the 16 or 17 year olds who have the talent play elite/pro. but i think they should keep the rule but make exceptions for certain cases. but i think they should have to start off minor and if they are too good or if they played minor the previous year and dominated then they should probably be pro. but i understand the problems that this can present this should be an interesting situation.

[DCbullets14]

I would like to see anyone with the talent level play in the league unfortunatly some players are too immature to make the step up no matter how talented they are.

There are also other things to consider, like how a parent of a 17 year old could react when their child is getting tossed around by someone twice his age and size. If I remember correctly there was an incident like this in the minor game at the eastern conference finals... where a players father came onto the rink because of an altercation.

These problems obviously can occur at the minor level however, I think that the frequency might increase when you move younger kids into a division with adults.

[hockeymum]

My gut feeling was that lower the age was not the greatest idea, but I was interested in hearing other viewpoints. I could be persuaded to change that opinion, but really havent heard a good argument yet. It seems like a box that might not be worth opening. As mentioned already by someone else, my first thought was potential legal issues. Also, how many players are we potentially talking about...were there really any 16 yr old players whose play, and physical/mental maturity was so superior that it would be an issue for them to play minors one more year until they reach 18? If not, why change the rule, they will move up soon enough. Once you change the age rule, you run the risk of teams who want to put teams in at the elite level pulling in younger players to fill their rosters. As a spectator, I want to see good games at both levels- I dont want to see minor teams gutted of their strongest talent.

[patb16]

well from what ive seen in these leagues which may not be much compared to others is that there are older people in the minors so why shouldnt the 16 or 17 year olds who have the talent play elite/pro. but i think they should keep the rule but make exceptions for certain cases.

Making exceptions is not a good idea because it creates gray areas. I feel the rule needs to be strictly outlined and strictly enforced, as it is now. I personally believe some players under the age of 18 may have the physical abilities; however, they generally lack the maturity level to play at the pro/elite level. In saying that I feel that 18 is the proper minimum age to play at the pro/elite level. Why is there such a rush to get these players into this level? By strictly enforcing the age limits, it helps to create stability and ensure that the league is still around when these younger players reach the proper age.

Another thing mentioned earlier that I did think was a good idea was the possible creation of a junior league. It would definitely create some exciting and very fast hockey as well as properly prepare these kids to play at the pro/elite level. If a junior league were to be created, I believe that the minimum minor age should be raised to 18 as well.

Just my two cents.

[njwarriorhockey]

Honestly they should leave the same age to 16 for minors. They are always talking about making the sport of roller hcokey bigger and better. So let the younger kids play hockey in a league they can progress. I know wathing AIHL games last season i really didnt see any problems with players younger playing with older players or even against them. If its not broke don't fix it.

[patb16]

Honestly they should leave the same age to 16 for minors.

I would agree with keeping the minimum minor age at 16 as the leagues are set up now. I would only want to change the minimum minor age if a junior division were to be created.