📢 PSA - Understanding the Classic and Heritage Classifications in the Amerigol Latam Cup

Understanding the Classic and Heritage Classifications in the Amerigol Latam Cup

The Amerigol Latam Cup was created to unite the hockey community in Latin America, the Caribbean, and other non-traditional hockey regions providing players from all backgrounds the opportunity to compete on an international stage.

Our classification is not based on political or immigration policies. It is very simple and has been the same since we began distinguishing between the two categories:

If the players live in North America (USA or Canada), the team is classified as a Heritage Team.
If a minimum of 70% of the players live in the country they are representing, the team is classified as a Classic Team.

1️⃣ Classic Teams

Represent countries or regions where the majority of players live within that country/region year-round.
Rosters are typically made up of players who are residents and/or nationals of that country.
With the exception of Mexico, all participating Classic Teams come from countries without ice rinks and instead play roller hockey.
Reflects the development level of hockey within that nation.

2️⃣ Heritage Teams

Made up of players living in the United States or Canada who have heritage ties to a specific country through parents or grandparents.
All players must meet the Heritage Team Eligibility Requirements as outlined in the tournament rules.
In the youth divisions, the highest level of play permitted for Heritage Teams is Single A.

Why this matters:

We want to maintain competitive balance and ensure fair matchups.
Youth players traveling from their home countries, many of whom play only roller hockey, should have a fair chance to compete.
Protecting the competitive environment ensures that all teams have a positive experience and want to return year after year.

Looking Ahead - Elite Division Coming Soon
As this tournament has grown over the last seven years, so has the level of competition. We are exploring the addition of an Elite Division so that AA and AAA players from Heritage Teams can also participate and represent their heritage. Classic Teams will have the option to participate in this Elite Division as well.

We appreciate the elite players who want to participate and their parents who want to see them represent their heritage. However, this tournament was started for countries that are non-traditional hockey nations, and we must remain true to them, while also working to add elite players when the time is right.

The Classic / Heritage classification helps us honor our mission:
✅ Celebrate the cultural and national pride of all participants.
✅ Protect the integrity of the competition.
✅ Provide a platform for growth and development in non-traditional hockey markets.

We are proud to celebrate both pathways as part of our mission to grow hockey in Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond, giving every player the chance to represent their nation or heritage with pride.

Amerigol International Hockey Association
Uniting the Hockey World — One Game at a Time