Layers of Hockey

IceHockeyLeagues.com considers there to be four broad Layers of Hockey, where the different leagues and tournaments are organized into.

1. Amateur Hockey – This is the first Layer and it makes sense as all sports and their players starts off being amateur. Beginning in 1882 and continuing to the present day, this Layer includes those sub-national governing bodies like Provincial Hockey Associations that organize league play at the local level.
   
2. National Hockey – This is the second Layer that is formed when local leagues established in the Amateur Hockey Layer seeks greater competition and prestige, they want to play against each other nationally. Beginning in 1893 and continuing to the present day, this Layer includes the Stanley Cup competition when it was a challenge trophy.
   
3. Professional Hockey – This is the third Layer that is formed when business interests see the profits that can be found paying hockey talent to play in front of fans. Beginning in 1902 and continuing to the present day, this Layer includes leagues that were predecessor to the National Hockey League.
   
4. International Hockey – This is the fourth and final Layer that is formed when the sports popularity crosses international borders and leagues and talents from other nations want to compete against each other. Beginning in 1920 and continuing to the present day, this Layer includes tournaments like the Olympics and the World Championship.