Division Descriptions

Generally, players just starting their hockey experience or interested in a slower, less competitive game. Players may not be able to skate backwards, have limited stick handling skills or be unable to raise the puck. Coaches are provided for each team to help players improve their game.

Players that are completely new to hockey and lower WACH D or E players. Many women are playing hockey and skating for the first time or are still building their foundational skills.

Teams will be drafted by the board and depending on registration, full season roster sizes will be 10-13 players to help curb teams not having enough players for playoffs. When subs are needed, the DWHL will do its best to fill benches to 13 players.

More experienced skaters, ready for a faster, slightly more competitive game. They typically understand positioning and basic plays but cannot always execute them.

Players that are WACH C or high D players; may have played non-varsity college.

Teams will be drafted by the board and depending on registration, full season roster sizes will be 10-13 players to help curb teams not having enough players for playoffs. However, when subs are needed, the DWHL will only fill benches to 10 players.

Most experienced skaters. All players know the game, are good skaters, and have good stick-handling and shooting skills. These games are the fastest games of all three divisions.

Players that are WACH A and B players; may have played NCAA Division I, II, or III, varsity high school, non-varsity college (ACHA), or other higher level of women’s hockey.

During the Summer season, Advanced players will have the opportunity to submit a pod with a total of 5-6 players they want to play with and then the DWHL Board will match pods together to build teams. Goalies are both welcomed & encouraged in your pod and count towards your total player count. However, a goalie is NOT REQUIRED to be in your pod. If you do not have a pod, you will still be drafted to a team.

Depending on registration, full season roster sizes will be 10-13 players to help curb teams not having enough players for playoffs. However, when subs are needed, the DWHL will only fill benches to 10 players.