In August of last year, MYHockey Rankings created and then published definitions around new ranking classifications for pre-midget teams in the USA. Click here to read the original post. The system went from publishing rankings based upon teams self-identified level (AAA and AA & lower) to one where MYHockey Rankings uses the terms Tier 1 and Tier 2 and it uses those terms from the common sense definition of Tier 1 hockey - the definition that says Tier 1 hockey are those teams playing at the highest level of hockey in a geographic area. Teams playing in a second or third division of a league (where divisions are based upon skill level) are not Tier 1 by its very definition. The only region of the country where this is really an issue is New England. The rest of the country has district/state USA Hockey organizations that either keep these things in check or don't need to because associations haven't run amuck with the term AAA.

The same rules will apply for the 2013-14 season as applied for the 2012-13 season. Only teams playing in the top division of the EHF (Elite) and the NEHL (American) will be considered Tier 1. Teams playing in lower level divisions of these leagues and other New England leagues will be considered Tier 2 for the 2013-14 season. Teams are placed upon the leagues preliminary placement of teams and when/if teams move up or move down after pre-season play, MYHockey will move teams accordingly.