IceHockeyLeagues.com categorizes Hockey into four broad layers and within each Layer there exists individual leagues and tournaments of various classifications. The second Layer that tracks Hockey from its expansion from Amateur effort to be something bigger is the National Layer.
Hockey, like all of the other sports, was played initially for personal recreational development, not for money. As players became more competitive they wanted to challenge each other for national and sub-national pride. This new form of competition became the new Layer that leagues and tournaments were formed around.
Each link goes to a League Page where you can find more information and individual season standings.
| Competition | Classification | Years | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup (Stanley Cup) | Challenge Tournament (Canada) | 1892 to 1899 | 8 years |
