About the NAHL
The North American Hockey League was founded in 1975 when the Michigan Junior League and Wolverine Junior League combined to form the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League. In 1984, the name changed to the North American Junior Hockey League, and was later modified to the current North American Hockey League (NAHL) designation.
The 2005-06 campaign marked the 30th season of NAHL competition, making it the oldest Junior A hockey league in the U.S. Over 60 NAHL players committed to NCAA hockey programs for 2005-06, including 14 to the CCHA, and 12 to WCHA schools. The North Stars had nine alums sign on with NCAA Div. I schools in its first two years.
The NAHL has also produced its share of National Hockey League players. NAHL alums currently in the NHL include Eric Lindros, Doug Weight, Ryan Miller, David Legwand, Brian Rolston, Mike Knuble, and Brent Johnson.
NAHL teams play almost exclusively against teams in their own divisions to minimize travel and allow students to pursue their educations. Teams play a 56-game regular season schedule that runs from September-April, with exhibition games and league playoff games providing additional contests.
Showcase events and the annual Robertson Cup championship tournament provide teams a chance to measure themselves in interdivisional competition, and attract numerous scouts and coaches from across North America to ensure visibility.
2007-08 NAHL divisional alignment
North Division - Traverse City North Stars, Alpena IceDiggers, Mahoning Valley Phantoms, Marquette Rangers, St. Louis Bandits, Team USA U-17/18
Central Division - Bismarck Bobcats, Fargo-Moorhead Jets, Alexandria Blizzard, North Iowa Outlaws, Southern Minnesota Express, Springfield (IL) Jr. Blues
South Division - Alaska Avalanche, Fairbanks IceDogs, Topeka Roadrunners, Texas Tornado, Wichita Falls (TX) Wildcats, Kenai River Brown Bears
NAHL competition helps players make the transition from midget and high school hockey to college hockey by creating an environment that is highly competitive, encourages skill development and provides time for physical growth and maturity.
The NAHL is a Junior A league affiliated with USA Hockey and its primary goal is to enhance the development of its players through top-quality coaching, extensive practice time and a rigorous game schedule. The league is committed to providing these developmental opportunities in conjunction with a commitment to academic support. The league's schedule and playoff schedule is largely designed around weekend travel to minimize school conflicts.
North American Hockey League games are easily accessible to college and professional talent evaluators. The league games, showcases and playoffs are consistently and heavily scouted by NHL teams, NHL Central Scouting and scores of college programs from around the country.
In addition, the NAHL takes an active role in promoting its players by distributing monthly progress reports to NHL Central Scouting and all major college programs.
The league's website publishes the most authoritative team and league news and statistics available.
In addition, NAHL games are broadcast locally and webcast everywhere, covered by daily papers, featured in regional and national newspapers, various hockey publications, specialty websites, and other media outlets.
The NAHL offices are located in Frisco, TX., a Dallas suburb.