Coach’s rubric — the anchored behavior ladder, 25 rungs
One ladder, twenty-five rungs, shared across every age group instead of a fresh ten-rung scale per tier. Each age group sees five of those rungs — her tier’s expected end-of-season window. Neighboring windows overlap by exactly one rung, so a top player finishing one group’s window plays like a bottom player starting the next group’s window. A, AA, and B windows inside each tier are derived from that window by a fixed rule, never typed by hand. Every sentence on this page is seeded and unratified — the org’s coaches still rule on it, and each coach ratifies only the five rungs her own group sees.
Seeding sources only, extended for the 25-rung ladder. USA Hockey publishes per-age development PRIORITIES, not calibrated performance benchmarks, and no governing body publishes a rung-by-rung skill table at any granularity — confirmed again for this expansion by the two research notes kept with this project (level provenance, and rating scales) (the rating-scales note also confirms no USA Hockey numeric rating scale exists to import; a half-point or 25-rung granularity is this project's own untested design choice, not an external standard). The ten anchor sentences carry forward from the ratified-pending 10-rung ladder verbatim, or lightly reworded to drop a tier name or a digit that the new sentence rules forbid; the fifteen new intermediate rungs per skill are seeded from those anchors, each age group's season-long focus, and Coach John's own on-ice vocabulary in the Archetype Breakdown documents above (Training Targets, skill themes, pass criteria) — never claimed as sourced from USA Hockey. This document is SEEDED and unratified: the director meeting (2026-09-04) and the org's own coaches still rule on every sentence, and each coach ratifies only the five rungs her group actually sees.
What the research says. USA Hockey does not publish a numeric skill-rating scale. Hockey Canada uses a 1-5 whole-number scale and does not permit half-points. Rating-scale research finds reliability gains flatten out around seven response categories. Source: the project research note on rating scales, 2026-09-03.
Expected windows
What a player of a given age — or a given age and level — is expected to reach by the end of the season, on the shared 25-rung scale.
On this ladder each level window is 5 rungs wide; AA is the window’s upper 3 rungs and B the window shifted down 2.
| Age tier | B window | A window | AA window |
|---|
| 10U | 1–5 | 3–7 | 5–7 |
| 12U | 5–9 | 7–11 | 9–11 |
| 14U | 9–13 | 11–15 | 13–15 |
| 16U | 13–17 | 15–19 | 17–19 |
| 19U | 17–21 | 19–23 | 21–23 |
Demo values, derived mechanically from each age group's window by the stated rule (A = the tier's window; AA = its upper three rungs; B = the window shifted down two) — not independently authored per level. As with the 10-rung ladder, no governing body publishes a skill standard indexed by level; B/A/AA remain org-ratified constructs, not imported benchmarks. The org's coaches ratify their own group's level windows alongside the sentences at the workshop; until then, read every level-adjusted figure on this ladder as a demonstration of the derivation mechanism, not a settled judgment about a player.
Each age group’s window
Every written rung stays on the page for every age group. The rungs inside that group’s own expected window are marked; the rest are dimmed — not removed, the same way the live rubric dims rungs outside a selected tier’s window.
10U
10U at a glance. By the end of the season, a typical 10U player is expected to reach rung 3 to 7 — 5 of 25 rungs on the ladder. An A player is held to that same window. A B player is expected to be developing toward it, typically reaching rung 1 to 5. An AA player is asked to sit at the top of it, typically reaching rung 5 to 7. This tier's season-long focus: Fundamentals - balance, comfort with the puck, and the habit of engaging. The center of the circle.
Every written rung stays on the page. 10U’s expected window — 5 of 25 rungs — is marked below on each skill’s full ladder; the rest are dimmed, the same way the live rubric dims rungs outside a selected tier’s window.
Skating Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Skates upright; glide-only turns; falls on tight stops
2Stops with two feet on one side; still falls on the other
3Controlled two-foot stops and glides in both directions
4One-foot glides hold balance for a few strides
5Backward wiggling starts to travel; backward skating gains real control
6Leans into inside edges through a turn without losing speed
7Inside-edge control; crossovers one direction at easy speed
8Crossovers begin on the second direction; hockey stop works to one side
9Crossovers both directions; hockey stop on both sides
10Turns tighten on both edges but speed still bleeds off
11Tight turns at speed without gliding; wins short races off the first three strides
12Forward-to-backward transitions complete without a stutter step in open ice
13Backward crossovers generate speed in both directions
14Lateral crossover cuts stay sharp when a defender closes the gap
15Forward-backward transitions under pressure without slowing
16Edges stay loaded through tight turns at full speed
17Edge work creates separation in game situations
18Holds top-end speed through most of a shift
19Sustains top pace across full shifts; changes direction at full speed
20Acceleration off either foot beats the first stride of a defender
21Wins races to loose pucks from a standing start most nights
22Repeated high-speed bursts hold up for a full shift without fading
23Acceleration and agility dictate the pace of a shift
24Skating disguises intent; defenders misread her first step every time
25Skating is a weapon at full pace; beats pressure and closes gaps at will
Puck Control Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Carries the puck only when unpressured; eyes down
2Carries the puck a short distance with a defender nearby
3Stickhandles in place; eyes mostly down
4Stickhandles while walking forward without losing the puck
5Carries the puck at a slow skate on a straight line
6Carries the puck through a slow turn while staying balanced
7Carries at moderate speed on a straight line; occasional glances up
8Carries the puck with more glances up than down
9Controls through simple traffic; head up half the time
10Keeps the puck away from a poke check while carrying
11Protects the puck with body position under light pressure
12Wins a puck battle along the boards under contact
13Uses a quick edge move to create separation from a defender
14Carries the puck through contact without losing control
15Carries at full speed with head up; beats a single checker
16Uses a fake to beat a defender instead of relying on speed alone
17Protects and moves the puck under real pressure in games
18Turns a won puck battle into a controlled offensive play
19Handles in tight spaces at game speed; wins most one-on-one battles
20Holds the puck under pressure long enough to draw a second defender
21Changes tempo with the puck to control the pace of play
22Manipulates a defender's positioning to create an open passing lane
23Controls the game through possession; rarely stripped
24Controls possession at a faster pace than most opponents can match
25Possession is a given at full pace; creates under double pressure
Shooting Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Pushes the puck toward the net; no wrist snap
2Adds a wrist snap to the push; puck lifts off the ice
3Wrist shot with weight transfer from a standstill
4Catches a pass and releases the shot in one motion while standing still
5Wrist shot from a slow glide; feet still mostly square
6Wrist shot off open hips and an inside edge, gliding forward
7Wrist shot in stride, on net from close range
8Shoots from the slot in stride; aims for the net, not a corner
9Picks corners from the slot when unhurried
10Snap shot from a set position; release is quicker than a full windup
11Quick release in stride; snap shot on net under light pressure
12Releases the shot before a closing defender can block it
13Shoots accurately off the weaker foot when the play demands it
14Finds a shooting lane around a screen in front of the net
15Shoots off either foot; beats screens with placement
16Varies the release point to make the shot harder to read
17Release deceives goalies; scores from mid-range in games
18Finishes off the rush with a quick release under pressure
19One-timers and catch-and-shoot at game speed
20Draws extra defensive attention because of the shot threat alone
21Scores from multiple release points; goalies can't anticipate the shot
22Beats screens and traffic from distance, not just in tight
23A scoring threat from range every shift
24Goalies adjust their positioning before she has even shot
25Finishes at full game speed; release, power, and placement all travel together
Hockey IQ Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Follows the puck; positioning by instruction
2Recognizes her assigned position without a reminder every shift
3Holds a taught position; watches the play
4Engages in the play instead of only watching from position
5Recognizes when a teammate needs support and moves toward her
6Reacts to the puck changing sides without a coach's cue
7Anticipates simple plays in her own zone
8Finds an open passing lane when a teammate has the puck
9Supports the puck carrier; basic give-and-go awareness
10Recognizes an odd-player rush but is slow to react
11Reads odd-player rushes correctly most shifts
12Holds her read under pressure instead of panicking and guessing
13Tracks plays developing away from the puck, not only near it
14Anticipates where to be before the puck carrier decides
15Positions to intercept; makes the simple right play under pressure
16Reads the play fast enough to weigh more than one option
17Sees the second play; passes to where teammates will be
18Factors the score and time left into her decisions
19Manages game state, time, score, and matchups within her shift
20Manages her matchup, not just the clock and score
21Directs teammates into better ice without needing a whistle
22Adjusts the team's structure mid-shift when the read demands it
23Quarterbacks structure; teammates play better on her line
24Reads the opposing team's tendencies and exploits them before they adjust
25Reads the game at full speed; consistently a play ahead
Compete Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Engages when the puck comes to her
2Moves toward loose pucks nearby; no battle yet
3Chases the play; avoids contact
4Stays in small puck battles instead of skating away
5Battles briefly for loose pucks before giving them up
6Keeps competing after the first bump or nudge
7Finishes the battles she starts; competes in open ice
8Joins puck battles along the boards, not just in open ice
9Battles on the boards when first to the puck
10Back-checks when reminded; wins occasional races to loose pucks
11Wins her share of contested pucks; back-checks unprompted
12Finishes checks and battles through contact without taking penalties
13Wins loose-puck races against players her own size
14Compete level does not dip in the final minute of a long shift
15Consistent motor across all three periods
16Elevates her compete level late in periods
17Raises battle level in close games; blocks shots
18Holds her own on the boards against bigger players
19Wins most board battles against bigger players
20Wins puck battles against older or more experienced players
21Changes momentum with a single shift of relentless effort
22Teammates raise their compete level when she plays
23Sets the team's compete standard every game
24Sets the compete standard even against the toughest competition
25Relentless at elite pace; changes games through effort alone
12U
12U at a glance. By the end of the season, a typical 12U player is expected to reach rung 7 to 11 — 5 of 25 rungs on the ladder. An A player is held to that same window. A B player is expected to be developing toward it, typically reaching rung 5 to 9. An AA player is asked to sit at the top of it, typically reaching rung 9 to 11. This tier's season-long focus: The golden age of skill - head-up hands, both-ways skating, and the first real reads.
Every written rung stays on the page. 12U’s expected window — 5 of 25 rungs — is marked below on each skill’s full ladder; the rest are dimmed, the same way the live rubric dims rungs outside a selected tier’s window.
Skating Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Skates upright; glide-only turns; falls on tight stops
2Stops with two feet on one side; still falls on the other
3Controlled two-foot stops and glides in both directions
4One-foot glides hold balance for a few strides
5Backward wiggling starts to travel; backward skating gains real control
6Leans into inside edges through a turn without losing speed
7Inside-edge control; crossovers one direction at easy speed
8Crossovers begin on the second direction; hockey stop works to one side
9Crossovers both directions; hockey stop on both sides
10Turns tighten on both edges but speed still bleeds off
11Tight turns at speed without gliding; wins short races off the first three strides
12Forward-to-backward transitions complete without a stutter step in open ice
13Backward crossovers generate speed in both directions
14Lateral crossover cuts stay sharp when a defender closes the gap
15Forward-backward transitions under pressure without slowing
16Edges stay loaded through tight turns at full speed
17Edge work creates separation in game situations
18Holds top-end speed through most of a shift
19Sustains top pace across full shifts; changes direction at full speed
20Acceleration off either foot beats the first stride of a defender
21Wins races to loose pucks from a standing start most nights
22Repeated high-speed bursts hold up for a full shift without fading
23Acceleration and agility dictate the pace of a shift
24Skating disguises intent; defenders misread her first step every time
25Skating is a weapon at full pace; beats pressure and closes gaps at will
Puck Control Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Carries the puck only when unpressured; eyes down
2Carries the puck a short distance with a defender nearby
3Stickhandles in place; eyes mostly down
4Stickhandles while walking forward without losing the puck
5Carries the puck at a slow skate on a straight line
6Carries the puck through a slow turn while staying balanced
7Carries at moderate speed on a straight line; occasional glances up
8Carries the puck with more glances up than down
9Controls through simple traffic; head up half the time
10Keeps the puck away from a poke check while carrying
11Protects the puck with body position under light pressure
12Wins a puck battle along the boards under contact
13Uses a quick edge move to create separation from a defender
14Carries the puck through contact without losing control
15Carries at full speed with head up; beats a single checker
16Uses a fake to beat a defender instead of relying on speed alone
17Protects and moves the puck under real pressure in games
18Turns a won puck battle into a controlled offensive play
19Handles in tight spaces at game speed; wins most one-on-one battles
20Holds the puck under pressure long enough to draw a second defender
21Changes tempo with the puck to control the pace of play
22Manipulates a defender's positioning to create an open passing lane
23Controls the game through possession; rarely stripped
24Controls possession at a faster pace than most opponents can match
25Possession is a given at full pace; creates under double pressure
Shooting Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Pushes the puck toward the net; no wrist snap
2Adds a wrist snap to the push; puck lifts off the ice
3Wrist shot with weight transfer from a standstill
4Catches a pass and releases the shot in one motion while standing still
5Wrist shot from a slow glide; feet still mostly square
6Wrist shot off open hips and an inside edge, gliding forward
7Wrist shot in stride, on net from close range
8Shoots from the slot in stride; aims for the net, not a corner
9Picks corners from the slot when unhurried
10Snap shot from a set position; release is quicker than a full windup
11Quick release in stride; snap shot on net under light pressure
12Releases the shot before a closing defender can block it
13Shoots accurately off the weaker foot when the play demands it
14Finds a shooting lane around a screen in front of the net
15Shoots off either foot; beats screens with placement
16Varies the release point to make the shot harder to read
17Release deceives goalies; scores from mid-range in games
18Finishes off the rush with a quick release under pressure
19One-timers and catch-and-shoot at game speed
20Draws extra defensive attention because of the shot threat alone
21Scores from multiple release points; goalies can't anticipate the shot
22Beats screens and traffic from distance, not just in tight
23A scoring threat from range every shift
24Goalies adjust their positioning before she has even shot
25Finishes at full game speed; release, power, and placement all travel together
Hockey IQ Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Follows the puck; positioning by instruction
2Recognizes her assigned position without a reminder every shift
3Holds a taught position; watches the play
4Engages in the play instead of only watching from position
5Recognizes when a teammate needs support and moves toward her
6Reacts to the puck changing sides without a coach's cue
7Anticipates simple plays in her own zone
8Finds an open passing lane when a teammate has the puck
9Supports the puck carrier; basic give-and-go awareness
10Recognizes an odd-player rush but is slow to react
11Reads odd-player rushes correctly most shifts
12Holds her read under pressure instead of panicking and guessing
13Tracks plays developing away from the puck, not only near it
14Anticipates where to be before the puck carrier decides
15Positions to intercept; makes the simple right play under pressure
16Reads the play fast enough to weigh more than one option
17Sees the second play; passes to where teammates will be
18Factors the score and time left into her decisions
19Manages game state, time, score, and matchups within her shift
20Manages her matchup, not just the clock and score
21Directs teammates into better ice without needing a whistle
22Adjusts the team's structure mid-shift when the read demands it
23Quarterbacks structure; teammates play better on her line
24Reads the opposing team's tendencies and exploits them before they adjust
25Reads the game at full speed; consistently a play ahead
Compete Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Engages when the puck comes to her
2Moves toward loose pucks nearby; no battle yet
3Chases the play; avoids contact
4Stays in small puck battles instead of skating away
5Battles briefly for loose pucks before giving them up
6Keeps competing after the first bump or nudge
7Finishes the battles she starts; competes in open ice
8Joins puck battles along the boards, not just in open ice
9Battles on the boards when first to the puck
10Back-checks when reminded; wins occasional races to loose pucks
11Wins her share of contested pucks; back-checks unprompted
12Finishes checks and battles through contact without taking penalties
13Wins loose-puck races against players her own size
14Compete level does not dip in the final minute of a long shift
15Consistent motor across all three periods
16Elevates her compete level late in periods
17Raises battle level in close games; blocks shots
18Holds her own on the boards against bigger players
19Wins most board battles against bigger players
20Wins puck battles against older or more experienced players
21Changes momentum with a single shift of relentless effort
22Teammates raise their compete level when she plays
23Sets the team's compete standard every game
24Sets the compete standard even against the toughest competition
25Relentless at elite pace; changes games through effort alone
14U
14U at a glance. By the end of the season, a typical 14U player is expected to reach rung 11 to 15 — 5 of 25 rungs on the ladder. An A player is held to that same window. A B player is expected to be developing toward it, typically reaching rung 9 to 13. An AA player is asked to sit at the top of it, typically reaching rung 13 to 15. This tier's season-long focus: Game application - every skill learned inside this ring now has to survive pressure and contact.
Every written rung stays on the page. 14U’s expected window — 5 of 25 rungs — is marked below on each skill’s full ladder; the rest are dimmed, the same way the live rubric dims rungs outside a selected tier’s window.
Skating Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Skates upright; glide-only turns; falls on tight stops
2Stops with two feet on one side; still falls on the other
3Controlled two-foot stops and glides in both directions
4One-foot glides hold balance for a few strides
5Backward wiggling starts to travel; backward skating gains real control
6Leans into inside edges through a turn without losing speed
7Inside-edge control; crossovers one direction at easy speed
8Crossovers begin on the second direction; hockey stop works to one side
9Crossovers both directions; hockey stop on both sides
10Turns tighten on both edges but speed still bleeds off
11Tight turns at speed without gliding; wins short races off the first three strides
12Forward-to-backward transitions complete without a stutter step in open ice
13Backward crossovers generate speed in both directions
14Lateral crossover cuts stay sharp when a defender closes the gap
15Forward-backward transitions under pressure without slowing
16Edges stay loaded through tight turns at full speed
17Edge work creates separation in game situations
18Holds top-end speed through most of a shift
19Sustains top pace across full shifts; changes direction at full speed
20Acceleration off either foot beats the first stride of a defender
21Wins races to loose pucks from a standing start most nights
22Repeated high-speed bursts hold up for a full shift without fading
23Acceleration and agility dictate the pace of a shift
24Skating disguises intent; defenders misread her first step every time
25Skating is a weapon at full pace; beats pressure and closes gaps at will
Puck Control Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Carries the puck only when unpressured; eyes down
2Carries the puck a short distance with a defender nearby
3Stickhandles in place; eyes mostly down
4Stickhandles while walking forward without losing the puck
5Carries the puck at a slow skate on a straight line
6Carries the puck through a slow turn while staying balanced
7Carries at moderate speed on a straight line; occasional glances up
8Carries the puck with more glances up than down
9Controls through simple traffic; head up half the time
10Keeps the puck away from a poke check while carrying
11Protects the puck with body position under light pressure
12Wins a puck battle along the boards under contact
13Uses a quick edge move to create separation from a defender
14Carries the puck through contact without losing control
15Carries at full speed with head up; beats a single checker
16Uses a fake to beat a defender instead of relying on speed alone
17Protects and moves the puck under real pressure in games
18Turns a won puck battle into a controlled offensive play
19Handles in tight spaces at game speed; wins most one-on-one battles
20Holds the puck under pressure long enough to draw a second defender
21Changes tempo with the puck to control the pace of play
22Manipulates a defender's positioning to create an open passing lane
23Controls the game through possession; rarely stripped
24Controls possession at a faster pace than most opponents can match
25Possession is a given at full pace; creates under double pressure
Shooting Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Pushes the puck toward the net; no wrist snap
2Adds a wrist snap to the push; puck lifts off the ice
3Wrist shot with weight transfer from a standstill
4Catches a pass and releases the shot in one motion while standing still
5Wrist shot from a slow glide; feet still mostly square
6Wrist shot off open hips and an inside edge, gliding forward
7Wrist shot in stride, on net from close range
8Shoots from the slot in stride; aims for the net, not a corner
9Picks corners from the slot when unhurried
10Snap shot from a set position; release is quicker than a full windup
11Quick release in stride; snap shot on net under light pressure
12Releases the shot before a closing defender can block it
13Shoots accurately off the weaker foot when the play demands it
14Finds a shooting lane around a screen in front of the net
15Shoots off either foot; beats screens with placement
16Varies the release point to make the shot harder to read
17Release deceives goalies; scores from mid-range in games
18Finishes off the rush with a quick release under pressure
19One-timers and catch-and-shoot at game speed
20Draws extra defensive attention because of the shot threat alone
21Scores from multiple release points; goalies can't anticipate the shot
22Beats screens and traffic from distance, not just in tight
23A scoring threat from range every shift
24Goalies adjust their positioning before she has even shot
25Finishes at full game speed; release, power, and placement all travel together
Hockey IQ Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Follows the puck; positioning by instruction
2Recognizes her assigned position without a reminder every shift
3Holds a taught position; watches the play
4Engages in the play instead of only watching from position
5Recognizes when a teammate needs support and moves toward her
6Reacts to the puck changing sides without a coach's cue
7Anticipates simple plays in her own zone
8Finds an open passing lane when a teammate has the puck
9Supports the puck carrier; basic give-and-go awareness
10Recognizes an odd-player rush but is slow to react
11Reads odd-player rushes correctly most shifts
12Holds her read under pressure instead of panicking and guessing
13Tracks plays developing away from the puck, not only near it
14Anticipates where to be before the puck carrier decides
15Positions to intercept; makes the simple right play under pressure
16Reads the play fast enough to weigh more than one option
17Sees the second play; passes to where teammates will be
18Factors the score and time left into her decisions
19Manages game state, time, score, and matchups within her shift
20Manages her matchup, not just the clock and score
21Directs teammates into better ice without needing a whistle
22Adjusts the team's structure mid-shift when the read demands it
23Quarterbacks structure; teammates play better on her line
24Reads the opposing team's tendencies and exploits them before they adjust
25Reads the game at full speed; consistently a play ahead
Compete Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Engages when the puck comes to her
2Moves toward loose pucks nearby; no battle yet
3Chases the play; avoids contact
4Stays in small puck battles instead of skating away
5Battles briefly for loose pucks before giving them up
6Keeps competing after the first bump or nudge
7Finishes the battles she starts; competes in open ice
8Joins puck battles along the boards, not just in open ice
9Battles on the boards when first to the puck
10Back-checks when reminded; wins occasional races to loose pucks
11Wins her share of contested pucks; back-checks unprompted
12Finishes checks and battles through contact without taking penalties
13Wins loose-puck races against players her own size
14Compete level does not dip in the final minute of a long shift
15Consistent motor across all three periods
16Elevates her compete level late in periods
17Raises battle level in close games; blocks shots
18Holds her own on the boards against bigger players
19Wins most board battles against bigger players
20Wins puck battles against older or more experienced players
21Changes momentum with a single shift of relentless effort
22Teammates raise their compete level when she plays
23Sets the team's compete standard every game
24Sets the compete standard even against the toughest competition
25Relentless at elite pace; changes games through effort alone
16U
16U at a glance. By the end of the season, a typical 16U player is expected to reach rung 15 to 19 — 5 of 25 rungs on the ladder. An A player is held to that same window. A B player is expected to be developing toward it, typically reaching rung 13 to 17. An AA player is asked to sit at the top of it, typically reaching rung 17 to 19. This tier's season-long focus: Refinement - separation, deception, and managing the game shift after shift.
Every written rung stays on the page. 16U’s expected window — 5 of 25 rungs — is marked below on each skill’s full ladder; the rest are dimmed, the same way the live rubric dims rungs outside a selected tier’s window.
Skating Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Skates upright; glide-only turns; falls on tight stops
2Stops with two feet on one side; still falls on the other
3Controlled two-foot stops and glides in both directions
4One-foot glides hold balance for a few strides
5Backward wiggling starts to travel; backward skating gains real control
6Leans into inside edges through a turn without losing speed
7Inside-edge control; crossovers one direction at easy speed
8Crossovers begin on the second direction; hockey stop works to one side
9Crossovers both directions; hockey stop on both sides
10Turns tighten on both edges but speed still bleeds off
11Tight turns at speed without gliding; wins short races off the first three strides
12Forward-to-backward transitions complete without a stutter step in open ice
13Backward crossovers generate speed in both directions
14Lateral crossover cuts stay sharp when a defender closes the gap
15Forward-backward transitions under pressure without slowing
16Edges stay loaded through tight turns at full speed
17Edge work creates separation in game situations
18Holds top-end speed through most of a shift
19Sustains top pace across full shifts; changes direction at full speed
20Acceleration off either foot beats the first stride of a defender
21Wins races to loose pucks from a standing start most nights
22Repeated high-speed bursts hold up for a full shift without fading
23Acceleration and agility dictate the pace of a shift
24Skating disguises intent; defenders misread her first step every time
25Skating is a weapon at full pace; beats pressure and closes gaps at will
Puck Control Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Carries the puck only when unpressured; eyes down
2Carries the puck a short distance with a defender nearby
3Stickhandles in place; eyes mostly down
4Stickhandles while walking forward without losing the puck
5Carries the puck at a slow skate on a straight line
6Carries the puck through a slow turn while staying balanced
7Carries at moderate speed on a straight line; occasional glances up
8Carries the puck with more glances up than down
9Controls through simple traffic; head up half the time
10Keeps the puck away from a poke check while carrying
11Protects the puck with body position under light pressure
12Wins a puck battle along the boards under contact
13Uses a quick edge move to create separation from a defender
14Carries the puck through contact without losing control
15Carries at full speed with head up; beats a single checker
16Uses a fake to beat a defender instead of relying on speed alone
17Protects and moves the puck under real pressure in games
18Turns a won puck battle into a controlled offensive play
19Handles in tight spaces at game speed; wins most one-on-one battles
20Holds the puck under pressure long enough to draw a second defender
21Changes tempo with the puck to control the pace of play
22Manipulates a defender's positioning to create an open passing lane
23Controls the game through possession; rarely stripped
24Controls possession at a faster pace than most opponents can match
25Possession is a given at full pace; creates under double pressure
Shooting Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Pushes the puck toward the net; no wrist snap
2Adds a wrist snap to the push; puck lifts off the ice
3Wrist shot with weight transfer from a standstill
4Catches a pass and releases the shot in one motion while standing still
5Wrist shot from a slow glide; feet still mostly square
6Wrist shot off open hips and an inside edge, gliding forward
7Wrist shot in stride, on net from close range
8Shoots from the slot in stride; aims for the net, not a corner
9Picks corners from the slot when unhurried
10Snap shot from a set position; release is quicker than a full windup
11Quick release in stride; snap shot on net under light pressure
12Releases the shot before a closing defender can block it
13Shoots accurately off the weaker foot when the play demands it
14Finds a shooting lane around a screen in front of the net
15Shoots off either foot; beats screens with placement
16Varies the release point to make the shot harder to read
17Release deceives goalies; scores from mid-range in games
18Finishes off the rush with a quick release under pressure
19One-timers and catch-and-shoot at game speed
20Draws extra defensive attention because of the shot threat alone
21Scores from multiple release points; goalies can't anticipate the shot
22Beats screens and traffic from distance, not just in tight
23A scoring threat from range every shift
24Goalies adjust their positioning before she has even shot
25Finishes at full game speed; release, power, and placement all travel together
Hockey IQ Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Follows the puck; positioning by instruction
2Recognizes her assigned position without a reminder every shift
3Holds a taught position; watches the play
4Engages in the play instead of only watching from position
5Recognizes when a teammate needs support and moves toward her
6Reacts to the puck changing sides without a coach's cue
7Anticipates simple plays in her own zone
8Finds an open passing lane when a teammate has the puck
9Supports the puck carrier; basic give-and-go awareness
10Recognizes an odd-player rush but is slow to react
11Reads odd-player rushes correctly most shifts
12Holds her read under pressure instead of panicking and guessing
13Tracks plays developing away from the puck, not only near it
14Anticipates where to be before the puck carrier decides
15Positions to intercept; makes the simple right play under pressure
16Reads the play fast enough to weigh more than one option
17Sees the second play; passes to where teammates will be
18Factors the score and time left into her decisions
19Manages game state, time, score, and matchups within her shift
20Manages her matchup, not just the clock and score
21Directs teammates into better ice without needing a whistle
22Adjusts the team's structure mid-shift when the read demands it
23Quarterbacks structure; teammates play better on her line
24Reads the opposing team's tendencies and exploits them before they adjust
25Reads the game at full speed; consistently a play ahead
Compete Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Engages when the puck comes to her
2Moves toward loose pucks nearby; no battle yet
3Chases the play; avoids contact
4Stays in small puck battles instead of skating away
5Battles briefly for loose pucks before giving them up
6Keeps competing after the first bump or nudge
7Finishes the battles she starts; competes in open ice
8Joins puck battles along the boards, not just in open ice
9Battles on the boards when first to the puck
10Back-checks when reminded; wins occasional races to loose pucks
11Wins her share of contested pucks; back-checks unprompted
12Finishes checks and battles through contact without taking penalties
13Wins loose-puck races against players her own size
14Compete level does not dip in the final minute of a long shift
15Consistent motor across all three periods
16Elevates her compete level late in periods
17Raises battle level in close games; blocks shots
18Holds her own on the boards against bigger players
19Wins most board battles against bigger players
20Wins puck battles against older or more experienced players
21Changes momentum with a single shift of relentless effort
22Teammates raise their compete level when she plays
23Sets the team's compete standard every game
24Sets the compete standard even against the toughest competition
25Relentless at elite pace; changes games through effort alone
19U
19U at a glance. By the end of the season, a typical 19U player is expected to reach rung 19 to 23 — 5 of 25 rungs on the ladder. An A player is held to that same window. A B player is expected to be developing toward it, typically reaching rung 17 to 21. An AA player is asked to sit at the top of it, typically reaching rung 21 to 23. This tier's season-long focus: The complete player - every ring beneath her, at pace, on demand.
Every written rung stays on the page. 19U’s expected window — 5 of 25 rungs — is marked below on each skill’s full ladder; the rest are dimmed, the same way the live rubric dims rungs outside a selected tier’s window.
Skating Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Skates upright; glide-only turns; falls on tight stops
2Stops with two feet on one side; still falls on the other
3Controlled two-foot stops and glides in both directions
4One-foot glides hold balance for a few strides
5Backward wiggling starts to travel; backward skating gains real control
6Leans into inside edges through a turn without losing speed
7Inside-edge control; crossovers one direction at easy speed
8Crossovers begin on the second direction; hockey stop works to one side
9Crossovers both directions; hockey stop on both sides
10Turns tighten on both edges but speed still bleeds off
11Tight turns at speed without gliding; wins short races off the first three strides
12Forward-to-backward transitions complete without a stutter step in open ice
13Backward crossovers generate speed in both directions
14Lateral crossover cuts stay sharp when a defender closes the gap
15Forward-backward transitions under pressure without slowing
16Edges stay loaded through tight turns at full speed
17Edge work creates separation in game situations
18Holds top-end speed through most of a shift
19Sustains top pace across full shifts; changes direction at full speed
20Acceleration off either foot beats the first stride of a defender
21Wins races to loose pucks from a standing start most nights
22Repeated high-speed bursts hold up for a full shift without fading
23Acceleration and agility dictate the pace of a shift
24Skating disguises intent; defenders misread her first step every time
25Skating is a weapon at full pace; beats pressure and closes gaps at will
Puck Control Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Carries the puck only when unpressured; eyes down
2Carries the puck a short distance with a defender nearby
3Stickhandles in place; eyes mostly down
4Stickhandles while walking forward without losing the puck
5Carries the puck at a slow skate on a straight line
6Carries the puck through a slow turn while staying balanced
7Carries at moderate speed on a straight line; occasional glances up
8Carries the puck with more glances up than down
9Controls through simple traffic; head up half the time
10Keeps the puck away from a poke check while carrying
11Protects the puck with body position under light pressure
12Wins a puck battle along the boards under contact
13Uses a quick edge move to create separation from a defender
14Carries the puck through contact without losing control
15Carries at full speed with head up; beats a single checker
16Uses a fake to beat a defender instead of relying on speed alone
17Protects and moves the puck under real pressure in games
18Turns a won puck battle into a controlled offensive play
19Handles in tight spaces at game speed; wins most one-on-one battles
20Holds the puck under pressure long enough to draw a second defender
21Changes tempo with the puck to control the pace of play
22Manipulates a defender's positioning to create an open passing lane
23Controls the game through possession; rarely stripped
24Controls possession at a faster pace than most opponents can match
25Possession is a given at full pace; creates under double pressure
Shooting Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Pushes the puck toward the net; no wrist snap
2Adds a wrist snap to the push; puck lifts off the ice
3Wrist shot with weight transfer from a standstill
4Catches a pass and releases the shot in one motion while standing still
5Wrist shot from a slow glide; feet still mostly square
6Wrist shot off open hips and an inside edge, gliding forward
7Wrist shot in stride, on net from close range
8Shoots from the slot in stride; aims for the net, not a corner
9Picks corners from the slot when unhurried
10Snap shot from a set position; release is quicker than a full windup
11Quick release in stride; snap shot on net under light pressure
12Releases the shot before a closing defender can block it
13Shoots accurately off the weaker foot when the play demands it
14Finds a shooting lane around a screen in front of the net
15Shoots off either foot; beats screens with placement
16Varies the release point to make the shot harder to read
17Release deceives goalies; scores from mid-range in games
18Finishes off the rush with a quick release under pressure
19One-timers and catch-and-shoot at game speed
20Draws extra defensive attention because of the shot threat alone
21Scores from multiple release points; goalies can't anticipate the shot
22Beats screens and traffic from distance, not just in tight
23A scoring threat from range every shift
24Goalies adjust their positioning before she has even shot
25Finishes at full game speed; release, power, and placement all travel together
Hockey IQ Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Follows the puck; positioning by instruction
2Recognizes her assigned position without a reminder every shift
3Holds a taught position; watches the play
4Engages in the play instead of only watching from position
5Recognizes when a teammate needs support and moves toward her
6Reacts to the puck changing sides without a coach's cue
7Anticipates simple plays in her own zone
8Finds an open passing lane when a teammate has the puck
9Supports the puck carrier; basic give-and-go awareness
10Recognizes an odd-player rush but is slow to react
11Reads odd-player rushes correctly most shifts
12Holds her read under pressure instead of panicking and guessing
13Tracks plays developing away from the puck, not only near it
14Anticipates where to be before the puck carrier decides
15Positions to intercept; makes the simple right play under pressure
16Reads the play fast enough to weigh more than one option
17Sees the second play; passes to where teammates will be
18Factors the score and time left into her decisions
19Manages game state, time, score, and matchups within her shift
20Manages her matchup, not just the clock and score
21Directs teammates into better ice without needing a whistle
22Adjusts the team's structure mid-shift when the read demands it
23Quarterbacks structure; teammates play better on her line
24Reads the opposing team's tendencies and exploits them before they adjust
25Reads the game at full speed; consistently a play ahead
Compete Rung 1 of 25 → Rung 25 of 25
1Engages when the puck comes to her
2Moves toward loose pucks nearby; no battle yet
3Chases the play; avoids contact
4Stays in small puck battles instead of skating away
5Battles briefly for loose pucks before giving them up
6Keeps competing after the first bump or nudge
7Finishes the battles she starts; competes in open ice
8Joins puck battles along the boards, not just in open ice
9Battles on the boards when first to the puck
10Back-checks when reminded; wins occasional races to loose pucks
11Wins her share of contested pucks; back-checks unprompted
12Finishes checks and battles through contact without taking penalties
13Wins loose-puck races against players her own size
14Compete level does not dip in the final minute of a long shift
15Consistent motor across all three periods
16Elevates her compete level late in periods
17Raises battle level in close games; blocks shots
18Holds her own on the boards against bigger players
19Wins most board battles against bigger players
20Wins puck battles against older or more experienced players
21Changes momentum with a single shift of relentless effort
22Teammates raise their compete level when she plays
23Sets the team's compete standard every game
24Sets the compete standard even against the toughest competition
25Relentless at elite pace; changes games through effort alone
Sources for the ladder
- USA Hockey American Development Model — age-specific development priorities — What to train and emphasize at each age (10U/12U/14U+). Seeding source for the rung descriptors.
- CAHA + USA Hockey ADM best practices, 10U–18U (2022–23) — Colorado's own governing-body restatement of the ADM per age group.
- USA Hockey ADM chart (annual guide) — The one-page ADM development chart.
- USA Hockey — age classifications (Tier I/II/III, B/A/AA/AAA) — Tier/level vocabulary and what it governs — sanctioning, tryout status, travel commitment, tournament eligibility. Administrative, not a skill standard.
- CAHA (Colorado Amateur Hockey Association) — Tier I / Tier II / Girls program pages — Publishes tier names and team directories only — no skill definitions by level.
- CCYHL (Colorado Charter Youth Hockey League) Rules & Regulations, Sec. 2.2 — Level placement is association self-declaration (July preliminary, August–September final) — no skill criteria attached; the concrete content is post-placement roster mechanics (Dec-31 freeze, 5-game level lock, transfer caps).
- MAHA (Michigan Amateur Hockey Association) — Designations one-pager — Defines B/A/AA/AAA by PROCESS and recruiting radius (tryout status, out-of-district caps), not by skill. Not a USA Hockey national document and not authoritative over this org — cited as the closest precedent found for a governing body writing level definitions down at all, a template rather than an authority.
- Coach John Voice — Driver (Power Forward), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Contact absorption, puck protection under contact, decel + direction-change footwork, wall/board battle vocabulary. New-rung seeding source for skating, puck control, shooting, compete.
- Coach John Voice — Spark Plug (Pressure Forward), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — First-three-steps explosion, forecheck angle footwork, stop-start burst, gap-close deceleration, momentum-shifting effort. New-rung seeding source for skating, compete.
- Coach John Voice — Exit Artist (Puck-Moving D), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Escape-toolkit edge moves, pivot and open-hips footwork, blue-line lateral crossovers, protect-then-pass under pressure. New-rung seeding source for skating, puck control.
- Coach John Voice — Creator (Playmaking Forward), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Scanning/head-up progression, deception toolkit, small-area creation, turnover-proofing, seeing options two steps ahead. New-rung seeding source for puck control, shooting, hockey IQ.
- Coach John Voice — Finisher (Sniper Forward), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Quiet-pocket load, open-hips/one-knee load, inside-edge shot mechanics, catch-and-shoot progression, release-point deception, off-the-rush finishing. New-rung seeding source for shooting.
- Coach John Voice — Quarterback (Offensive D), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Scan-and-read habits, blue-line management, distribution, activation-and-recovery vocabulary, 'reads before every touch'. New-rung seeding source for hockey IQ.
- Coach John Voice — Captain No Fun (Defensive D), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Step-up-vs-contain reads, gap control, decision-cue vocabulary, clean 1v1 defending, penalty discipline. New-rung seeding source for hockey IQ, compete.
- Coach John Voice — Engine (Two-Way Forward), Archetype Breakdown (12-week build) — Retrieve-decide-go, transition scanning, reload intelligence, second-wave danger, sustained motor across a shift. New-rung seeding source for hockey IQ, compete.