The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by over 670,000 participants and over 100,000 volunteers. It is one of the largest sports organizations operating in North America, hosting over 40 different sports.
The AAU post a variety of ice hockey membership from Mites through adult hockey programs. The AAU selected the United Hockey Union (UHU) to manage the Midget and Junior age brackets. The UHU brought in the Western States Hockey League as its Premier Junior Hockey League in 2012 at which time the WSHL had 14 teams. Today, the WSHL has 30 teams. Since 2012, the UHU is now hosting teams from 3 different Junior Leagues with nearly 50 teams total.