Senior hockey refers to amateur or semi-professional ice hockey competition. There are no age restrictions for Senior players, who typically consist of those whose Junior eligibility has expired.
Senior hockey leagues operate under the jurisdiction of Hockey Canada or USA Hockey. They are not affiliated in any way with professional hockey leagues. Many former professional players play Senior hockey after their pro careers are over.[1] The top Senior AAA teams in Canada compete annually for the Allan Cup.
History
From the beginning of the 1900s until the 1970s, Senior hockey was immensely popular across Canada, particularly in rural towns. At a time when most households didn't have a television and few hockey games were broadcast, local arenas were filled to capacity to watch the local team take on a rival.
The popularity of Senior hockey declined in the 1980s and 1990s. A number of long-running leagues and teams vanished. Today, many players choose to play organized recreational hockey, sometimes referred to as "commercial hockey." The popularity of the National Hockey League and Junior hockey has also supplanted Senior hockey in many towns across Canada.
Senior AAA hockey leagues
- Allan Cup Hockey (Ontario Sr. AAA)
- Big 6 Hockey League (Saskatchewan Sr. AAA)
- Allan Cup Hockey West (Alberta Sr. AAA)
- North East Senior Hockey League (New Brunswick Sr. AAA)
- North Peace Hockey League (Alberta Sr. AAA)
Other leagues
Canada
- Highway Hockey League
- Qu'Appelle Valley Hockey League
- Carillon Senior Hockey League
- South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League
- Western Ontario Athletic Association Senior Hockey League
- Avalon East Senior Hockey League
- Central West Senior Hockey League
- Central Newfoundland Hockey League
United States
- Great Lakes Hockey League
- Mountain West Hockey League
- Black Diamond Hockey League
References
- ^ "Stoney Creek Generals add pro experience to 2016-17 lineup". Hamilton Community News. 4 October 2016.