USA Hockey's Current Youth Hockey Age Groups Age Group: 11-12-Age Division: 12 and Under (12U) Age Group: 13-14-Age Division: 14 and Under (14U) Age Group: 15-16-Age Division: 16 and Under (16U) The age divisions for youth hockey are similar to those used by the NHL. The older youth ages from 13 to 16 play on 14U teams, while those aged 12 and under play on 12U teams. In most states, youth ice hockey starts as early as possible. Most leagues start playing in fall or winter before the children reach their 13th birthday. Some states allow 13 and 14 year olds to play on the same team while others require them to be on separate squads. Many families with younger children choose to have them participate in different activities during the season so that they can have more time together as a family. This is especially true for facilities that host both youth and adult hockey games. Parents are encouraged to make sure that their children are wearing protective equipment including helmets when playing contact sports such as ice hockey. Children should also use caution not to injure themselves while playing because the first thing that will happen if they get injured is that they will stop playing.