US Tier II junior ice hockey league
TheNorth American Hockey League (NAHL) is one of the top juniorhockey leagues in theUnited States and is in its 50th season of operation in 2024–25.[ 1] Tier II junior league sanctioned byUSA Hockey , and acts as an alternative for those who would not or did not make the roster of a team in the Major JuniorCanadian Hockey League (CHL) nor Tier IUnited States Hockey League (USHL). The NAHL is one of the oldest junior hockey leagues in the United States and is headquartered inAddison, Texas .[ 2]
The teams span the United States fromMaine in the East toAlaska in the Northwest and toTexas in the South. The teams play a 59-game regular season, usually starting on the 2nd weekend in September and ending near mid-April (2020–21 season is exception, the season started in late 2020-early 2021 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic ). The Champions of each division (not regular season) will play inBlaine, MN at the Fogarty Arena and will compete for the Robertson Cup Champion.
Under USA Hockey Tier II sanctioning, NAHL teams do not charge players to play and also provide players with uniforms, team clothing and select equipment such as sticks, gloves and helmets. Players without local family live with billet families in their area and pay a monthly stipend that covers food and other costs. Unlike the Tier IUnited States Hockey League , there are no roster restrictions in the NAHL on overage players, which allows for the older players to gain extraNCAA exposure as well as teams to retain a veteran core. Teams are still bound to USA Hockey rules regarding import players, and presently each team is allowed to have four non-American players on their roster. Import players may also apply for an exemption from being counted as an import, but only if they have played hockey in the United States for four years prior.
From its beginning in 1975, the NAHL was primarily a 6–12-team league based in the Midwest, known as the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League and changed the name to the North American Hockey League in 1984.[ 3] [ 4] [ 5] Pat LaFontaine ,Mike Modano ,Doug Weight ,Pat Peake ,Brian Rolston ,Brian Holzinger ,Brian Rafalski ,Todd Marchant ,John Scott ,Connor Hellebuyck , andGeorge Parros . In 2003, the league merged with the now defunctAmerica West Hockey League to form a 19-team league.
The 2025–26 season has 34 teams playing in four divisions:[ 6]
North American Hockey League team locations Central
East
Midwest
South
Division Team Location Arena Founded Joined Central Aberdeen Wings Aberdeen, South Dakota Odde Ice Center 2010 Austin Bruins Austin, Minnesota Riverside Arena 2010 Bismarck Bobcats Bismarck, North Dakota V.F.W. Sports Center 1997 2003 Minnesota Mallards Forest Lake, Minnesota Forest Lake Sports Center 2024 Minot Minotauros Minot, North Dakota Maysa Arena 2011 North Iowa Bulls Mason City, Iowa Mason City Arena 2008* St. Cloud Norsemen St. Cloud, Minnesota St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex 2003* Watertown Shamrocks Watertown, South Dakota Prairie Lakes Ice Arena 2024 East Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks Danbury, Connecticut Danbury Ice Arena 2010* Elmira Aviators Elmira, New York First Arena 2024 Johnstown Tomahawks Johnstown, Pennsylvania Cambria County War Memorial Arena 1990* Maine Nordiques Auburn, Maine Norway Savings Bank Arena 2019 Maryland Black Bears Odenton, Maryland Piney Orchard Ice Arena 2018 New Hampshire Mountain Kings Hooksett, New Hampshire Tri-Town Ice Arena 2023 New Jersey Titans Middletown Township, New Jersey Middletown Ice World Arena 2005* Northeast Generals Canton, Massachusetts Canton Ice House 2016 Philadelphia Rebels Washington Township, New Jersey Hollydell Ice Arena 2008* Rochester Jr. Americans Fairport, New York Rochester Ice Center 2023 Midwest Anchorage Wolverines Anchorage, Alaska Sullivan Arena 2021 Chippewa Steel Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin Chippewa Area Ice Arena 2005* Fairbanks Ice Dogs Fairbanks, Alaska Big Dipper Ice Arena 1997 2003 Janesville Jets Janesville, Wisconsin Janesville Ice Arena 2009 Kenai River Brown Bears Soldotna, Alaska Soldotna Regional Sports Complex 2007 Minnesota Wilderness Cloquet, Minnesota Northwoods Credit Union Arena 2000 2013 Springfield Jr. Blues Springfield, Illinois Nelson Center 1993 Wisconsin Windigo Eagle River, Wisconsin Eagle River Stadium 2010* South Amarillo Wranglers Amarillo, Texas Amarillo Civic Center 2003* Corpus Christi IceRays Corpus Christi, Texas American Bank Center 2001* El Paso Rhinos El Paso, Texas El Paso County Events Center 2006 2021 Lone Star Brahmas North Richland Hills, Texas NYTEX Sports Centre 1999* New Mexico Ice Wolves Albuquerque, New Mexico Outpost Ice Arenas 2019 Odessa Jackalopes Odessa, Texas Ector County Coliseum 2008* Oklahoma Warriors Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Blazers Ice Center 2020* Shreveport Mudbugs Shreveport, Louisiana Hirsch Memorial Coliseum 2016
Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a franchise relocation. See respective team articles from more information.
[ 7]
Alaska Avalanche (Wasilla, Alaska , for 2006–2010;Palmer, Alaska , for 2010–2012; relocated toJohnstown, Pennsylvania , and renamedJohnstown Tomahawks )Albert Lea Thunder (Albert Lea, Minnesota ; 2008–2010; relocated toAmarillo, Texas , and renamedAmarillo Bulls )Amarillo Bulls (Amarillo, Texas ; 2010–2021; relocated toMason City, Iowa , as theNorth Iowa Bulls )Aston Rebels (Aston, Pennsylvania ; 2015–2017; was relocated and renamed toPhiladelphia Rebels )Alexandria Blizzard (Alexandria, Minnesota ; 2006–2012; relocated toBrookings, South Dakota , and renamedBrookings Blizzard )Alpena IceDiggers (Alpena, Michigan ; 2005–2010; relocated toCorpus Christi, Texas , and renamedCorpus Christi IceRays )Billings Bulls (Billings, Montana ; 2003–2006; joined theNorPac )Bloomfield Jets (Bloomfield, Michigan ; 1987–90; relocated to Lakeland, Michigan, and renamed Lakeland Jets)Bozeman Icedogs (Bozeman, Montana ; 2003–2006; joined theNorPac )Brookings Blizzard (Brookings, South Dakota ; 2012–2019; relocated toSt. Cloud, Minnesota as theSt. Cloud Blizzard )[ 8] Buffalo Jr. Sabres (Buffalo, New York ; 1983–1986; later members of theOJHL )C & H Piping (Melvindale, Michigan ; 1988–89; renamed Melvindale Blades)Capital Centre Pride (Lansing, Michigan ; 2000–03)Central Texas Blackhawks (Belton, Texas ; 2003–2005; renamed Central Texas Marshals for the 2004–05 season before ceasing operations at the end of the season)Chicago Cougars (Chicago, Illinois ; 1986–87; folded midseason)Chicago Freeze (Chicago, Illinois; 1997–2003; folded due to "increased operation costs and low attendance")[ 9] Chicago Hitmen (Chicago, Illinois; 2010–2012; announced it would not play the 2012–13 season on May 11, 2012)Chicago Patriots (Chicago, Illinois; 1986–87; folded midseason)Chicago Young Americans (Chicago, Illinois; 1987–1989)Cleveland Jr. Barons (1st) (Brooklyn, Ohio ; 1976–1979; withdrew from the league prior to the 1979–80 GLJHL season)Cleveland Jr. Barons (2nd) (Parma, Ohio ; 1990–2006; relocated toColumbus, Ohio , renamedOhio Junior Blue Jackets and joined theUSHL )Colorado Grit (2023-25) Given inactive status by league governors for the 2025-26 seasonCoulee Region Chill (La Crosse, Wisconsin ; 2010–2018; sold and relocated toChippewa Falls, Wisconsin , as theChippewa Steel )Danville Wings (Danville, Illinois , 1994–2003; joined theUSHL )Dawson Creek Rage (Dawson Creek, British Columbia ; 2010–2012; ceased operations after 2011–12 season; franchise sold to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights in 2015)Dayton Gems (Dayton, Ohio ; 2003–04; dissolved after 21 games, roster dispersed amongst remaining teams)Dearborn Heights Nationals (Dearborn Heights, Michigan ; 1994–1996; formerly Michigan Nationals; relocated toSt. Louis, Missouri and renamed St. Louis Sting)Dearborn Magic (Dearborn, Michigan ; 1990–91; renamed Michigan Nationals)Detroit Compuware Ambassadors (Detroit, Michigan ; 1984–2003)Detroit Falcons (Fraser, Michigan ; 1986–87; formerly St. Clair Shores Falcons)Detroit Freeze (Fraser, Michigan; 1992–1997; moved to Chicago and renamed theChicago Freeze )Detroit Jr. Wings (Detroit, Michigan; 1975–1983 GLJHL, 1987–1992 NAHL; Junior Red Wings moved to theOHL ; replaced by the Detroit Freeze)Detroit Little Caesars (Detroit, Michigan; 1975–76; only played in the inaugural season of the GLJHL)[ 10] Fargo-Moorhead Jets (Fargo, North Dakota ; 2003–2008; ceased operations after 2007-2008 season)[ 11] Fernie Ghostriders (Fernie, British Columbia ; 2003–04; franchise rights were sold to aKalamazoo, Michigan based group in 2003; joined theKIJHL )Fraser Flags (Fraser, Michigan; 1981–1984)Fraser Highlanders (Fraser, Michigan; 1976–1980)Fresno Monsters (Fresno, California ; 2010–2013; relocated toWenatchee, Washington , and renamed Wenatchee Wild)Gaylord Grizzlies (Gaylord, Michigan ; 1995–1998; formerly Saginaw Gears until relocating in December 1995; relocated toGrand Rapids, Michigan , and renamed Grand Rapids Bearcats)Grand Rapids Bearcats (Grand Rapids, Michigan ; 1998–2000; renamedGrand Rapids Rockets during the 1999–2000 season when the league took over the franchise; relocated to Lansing and renamed Capital Centre Pride)Helena Bighorns (Helena, Montana ; 2003–2006; joined theNorPac )Hennessey Engineers (Plymouth, Michigan ; 1985–1987)Indianapolis Jr. Ice (Indianapolis, Indiana ; 1989–1995)Jamestown Ironmen (Jamestown, New York ; 2011–2013; ceased operations after 2012–13 season due to ownership issues)Jamestown Rebels (Jamestown, New York ; 2018–2022; moved fromPhiladelphia after one season, returned once a new arena had been secured)[ 12] Kalamazoo Jr. Wings (Kalamazoo, Michigan ; 1989–1994; relocated to Danville, Illinois, and renamed Danville Wings)Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings (Kalamazoo, Michigan; 2011–2013; ceased operations after 2012–13 season)Keystone Ice Miners (Connellsville, Pennsylvania ; 2014–15; ceased operations after one season in Pennsylvania)Kansas City Scouts (Kansas City, Kansas ; 2020–21; relocated duringCOVID-19 pandemic . Never played a game before relocating and becoming theAmarillo Wranglers )Lakeland Jets (Lakeland, Michigan ; 1990–1995; relocated toSault Ste. Marie, Michigan , and renamed Soo Indians)Lone Star Cavalry (North Richland Hills, Texas ; 2003–04; relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and renamed Santa Fe RoadRunners)Lytes Rustlers (1990–91; Traveling team composed of west coast prospects played for one season)Mahoning Valley Phantoms (Boardman, Ohio ; 2005–2009; relocated toYoungstown, Ohio , moved to theUSHL , and renamedYoungstown Phantoms )Marquette Rangers (Marquette, Michigan ; 2006–2010; relocated to Flint, Michigan, and renamed Michigan Warriors)Melvindale Blades (Melvindale, Michigan; 1989–90)Melvindale Lakers (Melvindale, Michigan; 1982–83)Michigan Nationals (Dearborn, Michigan; 1991–1994; renamed Dearborn Heights Nationals)Michigan Warriors (Flint, Michigan ; 2010–2015; suspended operations after being displaced by theOHL's Flint Firebirds )Minnesota Blizzard (Alexandria, Minnesota; 2003–2006; renamedAlexandria Blizzard )Minnesota Magicians (Richfield, Minnesota ; 2013–2022; relocated toEagle River, Wisconsin , renamedWisconsin Windigo )Motor City Machine (Detroit, Michigan; 2008–09; renamed Motor City Metal Jackets)Motor City Metal Jackets (Detroit, Michigan, 2009–2011; relocated toJamestown, New York , renamedJamestown Ironmen ).New Mexico Mustangs (Rio Rancho, New Mexico ; 2010–2012: purchased and relocated toRichfield, Minnesota , after a one-year hiatus and renamedMinnesota Magicians )Niagara Scenic (West Seneca, New York ; 1987–1994)North Iowa Outlaws (Mason City, Iowa ; 2005–2010; relocated to Onalaska, Wisconsin, and renamedCoulee Region Chill )Oakland Chiefs (Oakland, Michigan ; 1975–76; relocated to Wayne, Michigan, and renamedWayne Chiefs )Owatonna Express (Owatonna, Minnesota ; 2008–2011; relocated toOdessa, Texas , and renamedOdessa Jackalopes )Paddock Pool Saints (Ecorse, Michigan ; 1975–1984; won seven straight GLJHL titles)Pittsburgh Forge (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; 2001–2003; relocated to Toledo, Ohio, and renamed Toledo IceDiggers)Port Huron Fighting Falcons (Port Huron, Michigan ; 2010–2014; relocated toConnellsville, Pennsylvania , and renamedKeystone Ice Miners )Port Huron Fogcutters (Port Huron, Michigan; 1975–76)Redford Royals (Redford, Michigan ; 1978–1984, 1987–1989)Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (Hidalgo, Texas ; 2013–2015; relocated toAston, Pennsylvania , and renamed theAston Rebels )Rochester Jr. Americans (Rochester, New York ; 1999–2000; played one season before disbanding, program later revived)Saginaw Gears (Saginaw, Michigan ; 1991–1995; relocated in midseason to Gaylord, Michigan, and renamed Gaylord Grizzlies)Santa Fe RoadRunners (Santa Fe, New Mexico ; 2004–2007; relocated toTopeka, Kansas , and renamedTopeka RoadRunners )Soo Eagles (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan ; 2012–2015; returned to NOJHL and franchise relocated toMiddletown, New Jersey , and renamed theNew Jersey Titans )Soo Indians (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; 1995–2005)Southern Minnesota Express (Owatonna, Minnesota; 2005–2008; relocated to Detroit area and renamed Motor City Machine)Springfield Spirit (Springfield, Missouri ; 2001–2005; relocated to Wasilla, Alaska, and renamed Wasilla Spirit)St. Clair Shores Falcons (St. Clair Shores, Michigan ; 1983–1986; relocated to Fraser, Michigan, and renamed Detroit Cougars for one season)St. Cloud Blizzard (St. Cloud, Minnesota ; 2019–2020; rebranded as theSt. Cloud Norsemen in 2020)St. Louis Bandits (St. Louis, Missouri ; 2006–2012; purchased and relocated toCloquet, Minnesota , after a one-year hiatus and to be used by theMinnesota Wilderness )St. Louis Sting (St. Louis, Missouri; 1996–2001; relocated to Springfield, Missouri, and renamed Springfield Spirit)Texarkana Bandits (Texarkana, Arkansas ; 2003–2006; relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, and renamed St. Louis Bandits)Texas Tornado (North Richland Hills, Texas for 1999–2008; hiatus for 2008–09 season;Frisco, Texas for 2009–13; relocated to back North Richland Hills in 2013 and renamedLone Star Brahmas )Toledo IceDiggers (Toledo, Ohio ; 2003–2005; relocated to Alpena, Michigan, and renamed Alpena IceDiggers)Topeka Pilots (Topeka, Kansas ; 2018–2020; relocated to the Kansas City metropolitan area as theKansas City Scouts , but never played before being relocating again as theAmarillo Wranglers )Topeka RoadRunners (Topeka, Kansas ; 2007–2018; renamedTopeka Pilots under new ownership)[ 13] Traverse City North Stars (Traverse City, Michigan ; 2005–2012; franchise purchased and relocated to be used by the Soo Eagles)USNTDP (Ann Arbor, Michigan ; 1996–2009; moved toUSHL )Wasilla Spirit (Wasilla, Alaska; 2005–06; renamedAlaska Avalanche )Waterford Lakers (Waterford, Michigan ; 1981–82)Wayne Chiefs (Wayne, Michigan ; 1976–1980)Wenatchee Wild (1st) (Wenatchee, Washington ; 2008–2013; relocated to Hidalgo, Texas, and renamed Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees; Wild returned with the Fresno membership)Wenatchee Wild (2nd) (Wenatchee, Washington; 2013–2015; former Fresno franchise; joined theBCHL following the 2014–15 season)Western Michigan Wolves (Kalamazoo, Michigan; 1988–89; renamed Kalamazoo Jr. Wings)Wichita Falls Rustlers (Wichita Falls, Texas ; 2003–04; renamedWichita Falls Wildcats )Wichita Falls Warriors (Wichita Falls, Texas ; 2020–2; relocatedOklahoma City, Oklahoma ; renamedOklahoma Warriors )Wichita Falls Wildcats (Wichita Falls, Texas; 2004–2017; folded)Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights (Pittston, Pennsylvania ; 2015–2020; sold and relocated asDanbury Jr. Hat Tricks )[ 14] Youngstown Phantoms (Boardman, Ohio ; 2003–2005; renamed Mahoning Valley Phantoms when theCentral Hockey League 'sYoungstown SteelHounds began play in 2005)Timeline of league membership [ edit ] Active Inactive Future Active non-member
Midwest and Central [ edit ] Top 4 teams qualify, and in the 1st round (Division Semi-Finals), the 1st seed (seeding based on placement in division) plays the 4th seed and the 2nd seed plays the 3rd seed in a 2H-2A-1H best of 5 Series. The winners of those two series will play each other in the Division Finals with the same 2H-2A-1H Best of 5 format. The winner of the Division Finals will be crowned the Division Champions and will represent the Division in the Final Four, hosted at theFogerty Ice Arena inBlaine, Minnesota .
The top 6 teams qualify, with the 1st seed and 2nd seed (seeding based on placement in division) getting byes. Seeds 3, 4, 5, and 6 will all play in the play-in, which happens around early-to-mid April. The 3 seed will host the 6 seed for all 3 games,* as the 4th seed will also host the 5th seed for all 3 games.* The winner with the lowest seed will play the 1st seed, and the winner with the highest seed will play the 2nd seed. From there, the format is the same as the Midwest and Central.
Robertson Cup winners [ edit ] The Robertson Cup Championship is a playoff series held at the end of the NAHL season. The trophy is awarded annually to theUSA Hockey Tier II junior national playoff champion. The Cup is the oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States and is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan.[citation needed Chuck Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pool Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976 to 1983.
As of the 2023–24 season [ 15]
1975-76 – Detroit Little Caesars(1) 1976-77 – Paddock Pool Saints(1) 1977-78 – Paddock Pool Saints(2) 1978-79 – Paddock Pool Saints(3) 1979-80 – Paddock Pool Saints(4) 1980-81 – Paddock Pool Saints(5) 1981-82 – Paddock Pool Saints(6) 1982-83 – Paddock Pool Saints(7) 1983-84 – St. Clair Shores Falcons(1) 1984-85 – St. Clair Shores Falcons(2) 1985-86 –Compuware Ambassadors (1) 1986-87 – Compuware Ambassadors(2) 1987-88 – Compuware Ambassadors(3) 1988-89 – Compuware Ambassadors(4) 1989-90 – Compuware Ambassadors(5) 1990-91 – Kalamazoo Jr. K Wings(1) 1991-92 – Compuware Ambassadors(6) 1992-93 – Kalamazoo Jr. K Wings(2) 1993-94 – Compuware Ambassadors(7) 1994-95 – Compuware Ambassadors(8) 1995-96 –Springfield Jr. Blues (1) 1996-97 – Springfield Jr. Blues(2) 1997-98 – Compuware Ambassadors(9) 1998-99 – Compuware Ambassadors(10) 1999-2000 –Danville Wings (1) 2000-01 –Texas Tornado (1) 2001-02 – Compuware Ambassadors(11) 2002-03 –Pittsburgh Forge (1) 2003-04 – Texas Tornado(2) 2004-05 – Texas Tornado(3) 2005-06 – Texas Tornado(4) 2006-07 –St. Louis Bandits (1) 2007-08 – St. Louis Bandits(2) 2008-09 – St. Louis Bandits(3) 2009-10 –Bismarck Bobcats (1) 2010-11 –Fairbanks Ice Dogs (1) 2011-12 – Texas Tornado(5) 2012-13 –Amarillo Bulls (1) 2013-14 – Fairbanks Ice Dogs(2) 2014-15 –Minnesota Wilderness (1) 2015-16 – Fairbanks Ice Dogs(3) 2016-17 –Lone Star Brahmas (1) 2017-18 –Shreveport Mudbugs (1) 2018-19 –Aberdeen Wings (1) 2019-20 – Not awarded due to theCOVID-19 pandemic [ 16] 2021 – Shreveport Mudbugs(2) 2021-22 –New Jersey Titans (1) 2022-23 –Oklahoma Warriors (1) 2023-24 – Lone Star Brahmas(2) 2024-25 – Bismarck Bobcats (2) ^ "NAHL releases 2024-25 regular season schedule" . NAHL. June 13, 2024.^ "Contact Us - North American Hockey League - NAHL" .www.nahl.com . RetrievedMarch 27, 2018 .^ "North American Hockey League [1984-2019] history and statistics at hockeydb.com" .www.hockeydb.com .^ "NAHL History" . NAHL. RetrievedMarch 17, 2015 .^ "NAHL ALL-TIME REGULAR SEASON STATS" . Elite Prospects. RetrievedFebruary 22, 2017 .^ "NAHL releases 2021-22 regular season schedule" . NAHL. June 19, 2022.^ "North American Hockey League [1984-2015] history and statistics" . HockeyDB. RetrievedJune 3, 2015 .^ "NAHL announces relocation of Brookings Blizzard to St. Cloud, Minnesota" .NAL . June 3, 2019.^ Jack McCarthy (April 24, 2003)."Freeze hockey team shuts down" . chicagotribune.com. RetrievedJune 22, 2011 . ^ "Detroit Little Caesars Statistics and History" . HockeyDB. RetrievedMarch 17, 2015 .^ "Fargo-Moorhead ceases operations | North American Hockey League | NAHL" .www.nahl.com .Archived from the original on January 7, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 7, 2024 .^ "Rebel Yell" .The Post-Journal ^ "Topeka Pilots — RoadRunners get a new name" .WIBW-TV ^ "NAHL announces relocation of WBS Knights to Danbury, Connecticut" . NAHL. May 11, 2020.^ "Robertson Cup" . NAHL. RetrievedSeptember 13, 2023 .^ "NAHL Announces Cancelation of 2019-20 Season, Robertson Cup Playoffs Due to COVID-19" .OurSports Central . March 18, 2020.
Central Division East Division Midwest Division South Division Former teams Seasons
2024–25 NAHL season
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