JMS Hockey

Hello Everyone, I was thinking about seeking out a team to play for during the Winter and possibly the Fall season of AHA. Fall might be too late, as registrations are pretty full. How accurate and particular are the rating systems? I haven't attended an eval, however I am guessing I am probably a B-level goalie at least. I quit playing in high school, played 2 years of NCJAA, spent a hair amount of time playing ACHA, and practiced for a few years with a Tier II JR. team. Conversely, I'd love to skate C1 or C2, as my brother plays on a team and I wouldn't mind playing against him. While the eval would likely tell me all, how competitive are the C1 and C2 leagues? The AHA website says C1 and above tend to be faster - which makes sense. I'd hate to screw up league parity too badly by intentionally playing low. Also, I've heard of teams, players, or goalies getting booted because of this type of thing.

Zach, if they know you are trying for a specific team they tend to be lenient. Plus the eval isn't really for goalies. You should try out for that C1/2 team. And get your eval taken care of. Better sign up soon. Spots fill fast! I have been told I would do fine in c1. . hope this helps you out bud

If you're in shape and know you can play well, based on your experience, you probably aren't far off by assuming a "B" level. IMO

Eval and see where that gets you. I heard a B1 team was looking for a goalie... The Ligers.

What would I expect during an evaluation, as a goalie? I think they run through drills and then scrimmage? Also, it looks like all the evaluation sessions are full - except for one later in September. Can goalies who attend the 'lower' evaluation session still be rated in the higher tiers? (PS - I did reach out to AHA to ask... no response. Thanks for all the input from ya'll.)

When I did the eval, I basically farted around for half the session until they "needed" us. Then we just took shots. It was like having guys who dont know how to warm up a goalie going one on one against you. I'm sure if you wow them, they'll have to put you in a level that's appropriate.

Zach, contact Pete Morrow. That might be faster. pmorrow@ahahockey.com

Best to contact others in the AHA if you want an actual response.

I agree with Brandon. They basically have you take turns in net just as a body during the skills evaluations with skaters. They do one segment of goalie work, which really is just like warming up for the scrimmage. They all line up and take shots a couple times. Then it's all in the scrimmage. I'm not sure how accurate the rating is.....I play goalie in the C leagues in the Wild League in Blaine and do well, but was rated pretty low for the AHA. So I almost feel like they just put you where they need you. I have inquired about how they decide to reevaluate you through the year, and have not heard back. It's been two weeks since I inquired. However I do enjoy playing in the league regardless. There are great people that play there.

I've went on a few rants about the goaltender eval process and the lack of feedback when I tried to ask questions to AHA admins about my particular eval. As far as the actual eval process, the others laid it out perfectly. You essentially do nothing for 45 mins and then in the last 45 mins you face shots from people who range from beginners to former varsity/junior types. Then the scrimmage is kinda like open hockey where there's not a lot of help on D to say the least. I think Bobby is right though, they sorta put goalies where they have openings. How they do that can be a bit perplexing though. Feel free to PM me if you want more details of my experience.

Like others have said, there are zero drills to eval a goalie. I am not sure they even have someone who can properly evaluate a goalie at those things.

What I think I do know is, with your experience, if you want a challenge, go B. If you want a better shot at being top gun in the league, go C.