Girls Info

Girls’ hockey in Illinois continues to grow and thrive at every level, with opportunities available through Tier I, Tier II, and High School programs.

At the Tier I level, elite Member Organizations provide top competition, advanced training, and exposure to national tournaments for the most skilled players. Tier II programs expand access by offering strong community-based teams that balance competitive play with development, making the game more widely available across the state. High School hockey gives female athletes the chance to come together on combined teams, represent their schools, and compete in a structured league. Many of these players also face one another at their respective club programs.

Together, these pathways form a comprehensive system that supports player development and promotes the continued growth of girls’ hockey in Illinois.

BE IN THE KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRYOUTS

A reference tool for parents, players, coaches, and Tier II Girls organizations.

This article is a quick guide for the Tier II Girls Hockey community.

The article has been designed to give you a look into the early tryouts for the National Bound age levels

(14U, 16U, and 19U).

TRYOUTS WILL BE JUNE 15–22, 2026

Know the Rules

AHAI Rules & Regulations — Article 17 specifically addresses Girls Hockey in Illinois.

The sections you should familiarize yourself with are:

• 17.8 – Intent of Girls Tier II Hockey
• 17.9 – Affiliate Organization Playing Restriction
• 17.10 – Girls Tier II Playing Season
• 17.11 – Girls Tier II Early Tryouts
• 17.15 – Tampering
• 17.16 – Coach(es) Movement
• 17.17 – Player Movement

https://www.ahai.org/about/by-laws-rules-regulations-policies/117111

Too often, we hear parents say, “I wish I had known.” The Article 17 sections above will equip you with the knowledge needed to help your player make the best decision for herself.

Please review these rules after June 1, as some have been amended.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

• All Girls Organizations must notify the AHAI Girls Chair of their intent to hold early tryouts for the National Bound age levels.
• All Girls Organizations will only be allowed to select one team at each National Bound age level during the early tryout period of June 15–22, 2026. A Girls’ Organization may have the potential for an additional team at a specific age level. However, for a potential second team, tryouts may not be held, nor may roster spots be reserved for players until the regular tryout period beginning August 15. You have the right to try out elsewhere and be on a top team.
• All Girls Tier II Organizations must adhere to the Coach(es) Movement and Player Movement rules.
• It is the responsibility of all Girls Tier II Organizations to educate families on the Player Movement and Coach(es) Movement rules and what they mean regarding a player's options for the season. Coaches and board members of their respective organizations will be held accountable. A violation of the Player Movement Rule will automatically disqualify the team from participation in the 2026–27 State Championship Tournament and beyond (Districts and Nationals).
• Players who make a team during the early tryout period will be required to sign a player card and will then be locked onto that team for the upcoming season.

AHAI Affiliate Girls Organizations Holding Early Tryouts

Chargers 14U

Chiefs 14U, 16U, 19U

CIGHA (Revolution) 19U

Glenview Stars 14U, 16U, 19U

Hawks 14U, 16U, 19U

Hoffman Estates 14U, 19U

Leafs 14U, 16U, 19U

Mammoth 14U

Sabres 14U, 19U

St. Jude 14U, 16U, 19U

Warhawks 14U, 16U, 19U

Good Luck to All Girls!