​​Player Skills Self-Ranking Guide 

"Beginner," "Intermediate," or "D-level"...

If you’ve ever wondered what those terms mean and where you fit in, you’re not alone! Since skill levels are naturally relative, we’ve created this guide to help you find your "home" here at BWH. Each level is broad and includes a "high" and "low" range, so these definitions are meant to be a helpful roadmap rather than a strict rule. This guide is also meant to give you the right vocabulary to use when chatting with organizers about whether a clinic is right for you.

We ask everyone to self-rank using these benchmarks so we can keep our teams balanced and fun for everyone!

BEGINNER: Learning the Basics

Level 0 (Never played)

• You have never tried ice hockey.

• You have skated before (not necessarily in hockey skates) and can get from one end of the ice to the other, though not necessarily quickly or in control. 

• You are not quite sure how to get dressed or hold a stick.

By nature of this definition, you are not at this level for very long.

Level 1 (Beginner)

• You know the general routine of a clinic and what to bring.

• You are working on basic forward and backward skating skills (c-cuts)

• You are working on basic stick-handling abilities (how to hold the stick, make and receive a pass)

Level 2 (Advanced Beginner)

• You are still working on c-cuts and stopping more proficiently

• You are beginning to work on cross-overs, skating backwards and stopping on both sides.

• You beginning to learn incorporation of stick handling with skating skills.

• You are currently learning rules of play and positions  ​

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NOVICE/REC: New to Game Play

Level 3 (Advanced beginner/Rec level)

• You want to move beyond the clinic and play in a game.

  • You are learning positions, how to take shifts in a game, where to stand in a face-off

• You are progressing with basic puck handling, passing and shooting.

• You have mastered basic skating skills, and are undertaking intermediate skating skills (crossovers, forward/backward transitions).

Level 4 (Rec level player)

• Game play:

  • You no longer need off-sides or icing explained to you.

  • You are working on understand positioning

  • You are developing hockey strategic awareness during:

    • Basic breakouts

    • Shift changes during live play (not just after whistles)

• You are comfortable with basic stick handling and passing

  • You are improving puck control while keeping your head up.

  • You look before passing and aim passes in the direction of teammates.

• You continue to work on intermediate skating skills (forward, backward cross-overs)

• You are learning to lift the puck when shooting.

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INTERMEDIATE (D Level): Solid Player

Level 5 (Low Intermediate)

• You are ready for slightly faster-paced, more competitive play, showing growing confidence in game situations, stronger decision-making, and improved overall coordination.

• You are focusing on mastering intermediate skating skills, improving passing and shooting.

• You are furthering strategic concepts such as breakouts, forechecks, back-checking, face offs, power plays and penalty killing. 

Level 6 (High Intermediate)

• You are confident with intermediate skating skills, solid passing, and are developing your shot.

• You are learning to execute strategic concepts and structured plays, developing the ability to apply advanced concepts in game situations…maybe you have a move or two.

• You are comfortable playing either defense and forward. 

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ADVANCED (C Level): Advanced Player with Experience

Level 7

• You have fast, yet patient, skating and puck handling abilities, consistently execute plays, and a few moves.

• You understand positioning and can be creative on the ice with how you move and how you move the puck around.

• You are comfortable with a fast-moving game.

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ELITE: At a Higher Level Than Others 

Level 8 (B level) = You played club-level college hockey, competitive high school or youth programs in the last 5 years.

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Level 9 (A level) = You recently played high level club or college hockey.

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