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North American Hockey League
North American Hockey League
North American Hockey League
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North American Hockey League
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2024–25 NAHL season
SportIce hockey
Founded1975
CEOMark Frankenfeld
No. of teams34
CountryUnited States
Most recent
champion		Bismarck Bobcats (2nd title)
Most titlesDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL) (11)
Official websitewww.nahl.com

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is one of the top junior hockey leagues in the United States and is in its 50th season of operation in 2024–25.[1] It is the only Tier II junior league sanctioned by USA Hockey, and acts as an alternative for those who would not or did not make the roster of a team in the Major Junior Canadian Hockey League (CHL) nor Tier I United States Hockey League (USHL). The NAHL is one of the oldest junior hockey leagues in the United States and is headquartered in Addison, Texas.[2]

The teams span the United States from Maine in the East to Alaska in the Northwest and to Texas 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 the COVID-19 pandemic). The Champions of each division (not regular season) will play in Blaine, 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 I United States Hockey League, there are no roster restrictions in the NAHL on overage players, which allows for the older players to gain extra NCAA 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] The league's all-time leading scorer is Ryan Fultz who tallied 246 points in four seasons.[5] Other notable alumni from the NAHL include Pat LaFontaine, Mike Modano, Doug Weight, Pat Peake, Brian Rolston, Brian Holzinger, Brian Rafalski, Todd Marchant, John Scott, Connor Hellebuyck, and George Parros. In 2003, the league merged with the now defunct America West Hockey League to form a 19-team league.

Teams

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Current teams

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The 2025–26 season has 34 teams playing in four divisions:[6]

NAHL Teams
Wings
Wings
Bruins
Bruins
Bobcats
Bobcats
Minotauros
Minotauros
Mallards
Mallards
Bulls
Bulls
Norsemen
Norsemen
Shamrocks
Shamrocks
Hat Tricks
Hat Tricks
Tomahawks
Tomahawks
Nordiques
Nordiques
Black Bears
Black
Bears
Mountain Kings
Mountain
Kings
Titans
Titans
Generals
Generals
Rebels
Rebels
Americans
Americans
Wolverines
Wolverines
Steel
Steel
Ice Dogs
Ice
Dogs
Jets
Jets
Brown Bears
Brown
Bears
Wilderness
Wilderness
Blues
Blues
Windigo
Windigo
Wranglers
Wranglers
IceRays
IceRays
Rhinos
Rhinos
Brahmas
Brahmas
Ice Wolves
Ice
Wolves
Jackalopes
Jackalopes
Warriors
Warriors
Mudbugs
Mudbugs
class=notpageimage|
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.


Past teams

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[7]

Timeline of league membership

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Watertown ShamrocksMinnesota MallardsElmira AviatorsRochester Jr. AmericansNew Hampshire Mountain KingsColorado GritEl Paso Rhinos (NAHL)Anchorage WolverinesOklahoma WarriorsWichita Falls WarriorsNew Mexico Ice WolvesMaine Nordiques (NAHL)Maryland Black BearsShreveport MudbugsNortheast GeneralsMinot MinotaurosKalamazoo Jr. K-WingsAustin BruinsAberdeen WingsFresno Monsters (NAHL)Port Huron Fighting FalconsWisconsin WindigoNew Mexico MustangsDanbury Jr. Hat TricksDawson Creek RageChicago HitmenJanesville JetsPhiladelphia RebelsWenatchee Wild (junior A)North Iowa BullsAlbert Lea ThunderOdessa JackalopesOwatonna ExpressKenai River Brown BearsMarquette RangersChippewa SteelNorth Iowa OutlawsNew Jersey Titans (NAHL)Traverse City North StarsSouthern Minnesota ExpressAmarillo Wranglers (NAHL)Lone Star CavalrySt. Cloud NorsemenMinnesota BlizzardMinnesota WildernessTexarkana BanditsYoungstown PhantomsFargo-Moorhead JetsDayton Gems (NAHL)Fairbanks Ice DogsBismarck BobcatsWichita Falls RustlersBozeman IcedogsBillings BullsHelena Bighorns (NAHL)Central Texas BlackhawksFernie GhostridersCorpus Christi IceRaysPittsburgh ForgeLone Star BrahmasTexas TornadoRochester Jr. Americans (1999–2000)USA Hockey National Team Development ProgramSpringfield Jr. BluesCleveland Jr. BaronsDetroit FreezeSaginaw Gears (NAHL)Johnstown TomahawksDearborn MagicLytes RustlersIndianapolis Jr. IceWestern Michigan WolvesC %26 H PipingBloomfield JetsChicago Young AmericansChicago Cougars (NAHL)Chicago PatriotsHennessy EngineersDetroit Compuware Ambassadors (NAHL)St. Clair Shores FalconsBuffalo Jr. SabresFraser FlagsWaterford LakersRedford Royals (GLJHL)Fraser HighlandersCleveland Jr. Barons (GLJHL)Paddock Pool SaintsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)Oakland ChiefsDetroit Little CaesarsPort Huron Fogcutters

  Active     Inactive     Future      Active non-member  

Playoff structure

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Midwest and Central

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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 the Fogerty Ice Arena in Blaine, Minnesota.

South and East

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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

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The Robertson Cup Championship is a playoff series held at the end of the NAHL season. The trophy is awarded annually to the USA 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 the COVID-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)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

North American Hockey League

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is a Tier II league in the United States, sanctioned by and dedicated to the development of players aged 16 to 20 for collegiate and professional hockey careers. Founded in , the league is entering its 51st season in 2025–26, with 34 privately owned teams competing across four divisions—Central, East, Midwest, and South—in 19 states throughout . The NAHL operates as part of USA Hockey's National Junior Development Model, emphasizing skill enhancement, exposure to scouts, and academic support to prepare athletes for higher levels of play. In the 2025–26 season alone, NAHL players have secured over 112 commitments to NCAA programs, with 95% at the Division I level, contributing to a total of more than 2,190 collegiate commitments and 36 NHL draft selections over the past eight seasons. The league's structure includes a 59-game regular season for each team, culminating in leading to the Robertson championship, alongside key events like the NAHL Showcase and Top Prospects Tournament that facilitate player evaluation and advancement. Unlike higher-tier leagues, the NAHL provides opportunities for players without prior elite commitments, with 37% of men's hockey freshmen in recent years having competed in the league.

History

Origins and founding

The North American Hockey League traces its origins to 1975, when it was established as the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League (GLJHL), a Tier II junior hockey circuit sanctioned by USA Hockey. The league began as a rugged five-team regional setup spanning Michigan and Ohio, designed to offer competitive play for players aged 16 to 20 who had completed high school and sought pathways to collegiate or professional hockey. This structure emphasized player development without tuition fees, aligning with USA Hockey's guidelines for Tier II junior leagues, and was supported by local sponsors to ensure operational stability in its formative years. The GLJHL's inaugural 1975–76 season featured teams including the , , Paddock Pool Saints, Oakland Chiefs, and Port Huron Fogcutters, with the leading the standings at 35 wins, 11 losses, and 2 ties. The league's early development was shaped by key figures such as Chuck Robertson, owner of the Paddock Pool Saints and a foundational leader in junior hockey, whose contributions helped establish the circuit's competitive framework; the league's championship trophy, the Robertson Cup, honors his legacy. 's involvement provided official sanctioning and oversight, fostering a focus on skill-building and eligibility for higher-level opportunities. From 1977 to 1984, the Paddock Pool Saints dominated the GLJHL, securing seven consecutive Robertson Cup titles and exemplifying the league's emphasis on sustained excellence and player progression. This period solidified the circuit's reputation as a vital stepping stone in junior hockey, with teams prioritizing balanced rosters and rigorous scheduling across the Midwest. In 1984, the league underwent a name change to the North American Junior Hockey League, marking a transition toward broader ambitions while retaining its core Tier II identity.

Expansions and reorganizations

In 1984, the league underwent a significant reorganization and was renamed the North American Junior Hockey League (NAJHL) to reflect its expanding ambitions beyond its original focus. During the and , the league experienced steady growth in the , expanding to two divisions and 10 teams by the mid-1990s. This era was marked by the dominance of the Ambassadors, who captured eight NAHL titles over a 10-year span from 1986 to 1995, establishing a dynasty in junior hockey. In 1992, the league rebranded to its current name, the North American Hockey League (NAHL), signaling further maturation and national aspirations. A key milestone came in 1999 with the addition of the Texas Tornado, the first team outside the , which broadened the league's geographic footprint into the . The 2003 merger with the America West Hockey League (AWHL) represented a pivotal expansion, increasing the NAHL from 11 to 21 teams organized into four divisions and extending operations to western states including . This integration brought in franchises like the in 2003, marking the league's entry into . Further Alaskan growth followed with the addition of the Alaska Avalanche in 2005 as the state's second team and the in 2007, solidifying the NAHL's presence in remote markets. Entering the and , the league continued its eastward push with the inclusion of teams such as the in 2012, which helped diversify its regional balance. By the 2025-26 season, the NAHL had grown to 34 teams spanning 19 states, reflecting sustained expansion and operational evolution. Recent reorganizations have focused on competitive equity through division realignments, resulting in four divisions by 2025: Central, East, Midwest, and . The 2020-21 season faced major disruptions from the , including the cancellation of the prior year's playoffs, extended schedules into May, and the suspension of operations for at least one team, yet the league adapted to complete play amid health protocols.

League organization

Divisions and teams

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is organized into four divisions for the 2025-26 season: Central, East, Midwest, and , comprising a total of 34 teams across 19 states and territories. This structure facilitates regional scheduling and competition while spanning a vast geographic footprint from , in the Midwest Division to , in the East Division. The league's expansion to 34 teams reflects ongoing growth, including the addition of the Mallards to the Central Division in 2025.

Central Division

The Central Division features eight teams primarily located in the northern plains region, emphasizing Midwestern communities in , , , and . These teams play a balanced schedule against divisional opponents to foster local rivalries and development pathways to NCAA programs.
TeamLocation
Aberdeen WingsAberdeen, SD
Austin BruinsAustin, MN
Bismarck BobcatsBismarck, ND
Minnesota MallardsForest Lake, MN
Minot MinotaurosMinot, ND
North Iowa BullsMason City, IA
St. Cloud NorsemenSt. Cloud, MN
Watertown ShamrocksWatertown, SD
For instance, the Aberdeen Wings, who joined the NAHL in 2010, play their home games at the Odde Ice Center, a 1,600-seat facility built in 1980 that also hosts local youth hockey. The Bismarck Bobcats, who joined the NAHL in 2003 following the merger with the America West Hockey League, compete at the VFW Sports Center in , which serves as a hub for community events beyond hockey.

East Division

With ten teams, the East Division covers the , from to the Mid-Atlantic states, promoting accessibility for fans in densely populated areas and strong ties to collegiate hockey pipelines.
TeamLocation
Danbury, CT
Elmira AviatorsElmira, NY
Johnstown, PA
Maine NordiquesLewiston, ME
Maryland Black BearsOdenton, MD
New Jersey TitansMiddletown, NJ
New Hampshire Mountain KingsHooksett, NH
Northeast GeneralsAttleboro, MA
Philadelphia RebelsHolland, PA
Rochester Jr. AmericansRochester, NY
The Nordiques, who entered the league in 2019, host games at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in , a modern venue that supports their focus on player development without professional affiliates. Similarly, the Black Bears, joining in , play at the Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, emphasizing junior hockey in the region.

Midwest Division

The Midwest Division includes eight teams stretching across , , , and , with a unique emphasis on remote Alaskan franchises that travel extensively but contribute to the league's national scope.
TeamLocation
Anchorage, AK
Chippewa SteelChippewa Falls, WI
Fairbanks, AK
Janesville JetsJanesville, WI
Soldotna, AK
Cloquet, MN
Springfield Jr. BluesSpringfield, IL
Brookfield, WI
Representative of the division's Alaskan presence, the , who joined as an expansion team in 2021, play at the , a 6,000-seat multi-purpose facility that hosts various sports and events. The , established in the NAHL in 2013 and relocated to Brookfield, Wisconsin, for the 2025-26 season, utilize The Ponds of Brookfield Ice Arena as their home, a community-focused rink seating 2,000 without ties to higher-level professional affiliates.

South Division

The South Division consists of eight teams in the southwestern and southern United States, centered in Texas with extensions into neighboring states, highlighting the league's push into warmer climates for junior hockey expansion.
TeamLocation
Amarillo WranglersAmarillo, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
El Paso, TX
North Richland Hills, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Odessa, TX
Oklahoma WarriorsTulsa, OK
Shreveport, LA
The Amarillo Wranglers, who joined the NAHL in 2021 after relocating from Kansas City, compete at the Amarillo Civic Center, a versatile 5,000-seat venue that also accommodates concerts and other athletics. The Shreveport Mudbugs, who joined the NAHL as an expansion team in 2016, play their games at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic arena dating back to 1954 with no current professional affiliations.

Governance and operations

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) operates as a Tier II junior hockey league sanctioned by , emphasizing amateur status and player development pathways to programs. As part of 's Ladder of Development, the league adheres to strict eligibility rules under , the (IIHF), and NCAA guidelines to preserve players' collegiate eligibility. This framework prioritizes skill enhancement, coaching quality, and exposure to scouts, positioning the NAHL as a key conduit for aspiring collegiate athletes. Leadership of the NAHL is headed by Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld, who has held the position since 2007 and oversees daily operations, league expansion, marketing, rule enforcement, and player advancement initiatives. Under his tenure, the league has grown to 34 teams across four divisions, enhancing its national footprint and developmental impact. Previous commissioners, such as Tom Anastos (1994–1998), played a pivotal role in elevating the league's national profile during the 1990s through strategic integrations with programs. Operational rules center on amateurism and youth development, with players eligible between ages 16 and 20 as of December 31 of the season (15-year-olds may petition for inclusion). No salaries are paid to maintain NCAA compliance; instead, teams provide free equipment, tuition assistance, housing, and travel support. Each of the league's teams plays a 59-game regular season, fostering competitive play while prioritizing scouting and academic preparation. The league's development focus has resulted in record NCAA commitments, with over 400 players advancing to college programs in recent seasons and more than 90% of those to Division I institutions. Key events underscore the NAHL's commitment to prospect evaluation and visibility, including the annual NAHL Showcase, a multi-team that attracts NCAA and NHL scouts for live assessments. The Top Prospects Tournament further highlights elite talent, integrating with affiliations to align with national development goals. These initiatives, combined with regular NHL scout attendance, facilitate direct pathways from the NAHL to professional and collegiate opportunities. The league's headquarters are located in , supporting administrative functions for its nationwide operations.

Season format

Regular season

The regular season of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) spans approximately seven months, with each of the league's 34 teams playing a 59-game schedule that typically runs from mid-September to mid-April. This structure allows for a competitive balance between intra-division contests, which foster regional rivalries, and inter-division matchups, designed to minimize excessive travel demands—particularly for teams in remote locations like the Alaska-based franchises in the Midwest Division, which benefit from clustered scheduling to limit cross-continental trips. The 2025–26 season, for instance, commenced on September 12, 2025, and is set to conclude on April 11, 2026, encompassing a total of 1,003 games league-wide. Standings are calculated using a standard points system, awarding 2 points for any win (in , , or ) and 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss, with no points for defeats; tiebreakers are applied in order: number of wins, head-to-head results, goal differential in head-to-head games, overall goal differential, and coin flip if necessary. This system emphasizes consistent performance, as division leaders secure advantageous seeding in the postseason , where the top four teams from the Central, Midwest, and divisions and the top six teams from the East Division qualify. The season incorporates several key features to enhance competition and player development, including the annual , which showcases top talent midway through the campaign, and scheduled holiday breaks around to allow rest and family time. A primary focus is on detailed player statistics tracking via platforms like NAHLTV and tools, which support NCAA —evidenced by the league's record of 347 commitments in the 2024–25 season, with 245 to Division I programs.

Playoff system

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) playoff system determines the four divisional champions that advance to the national Robertson Cup tournament. For the 2025–26 season, the league has 34 teams across four divisions: Central (8 teams), East (10 teams), Midwest (8 teams), and (8 teams), following the granting of inactive status to the Colorado Grit. The playoff format is expected to vary by division size, with the top four seeds from the Central, Midwest, and South divisions and the top six seeds from the East Division qualifying based on regular-season points standings, for a total of 18 postseason teams. The full format will be announced prior to the end of the regular season. Seeds within each division are determined by regular-season performance, with tiebreakers resolved first by number of wins, then head-to-head results, goal differential in head-to-head competition, overall goal differential, and finally a coin flip if necessary. Divisional playoffs for divisions with eight teams (Central, Midwest, and ) follow a straightforward without preliminary rounds: the top faces the fourth (or lowest remaining for larger divisions), and the second plays the third , in best-of-five semifinal series. Winners advance to best-of-five division finals. For the East Division (10 teams), a best-of-three play-in round eliminates lower : the third versus the sixth and the fourth versus the fifth, with the higher hosting all three potential games. The top two receive byes and join the play-in winners in best-of-five quarterfinals (first versus lowest remaining , second versus highest remaining ), followed by best-of-five semifinals and division finals. All best-of-five series adhere to a 2-2-1 home-ice , where the higher-seeded team hosts the first two games and the decisive fifth game (if needed), while the lower seed hosts games three and four to ensure at least two home games. The best-of-three play-in series in the East Division are hosted entirely by the higher seed. Division semifinal series are typically scheduled from late April to early May, with finals from early to mid-May, allowing flexibility for teams to complete series cooperatively. The four divisional champions are seeded 1 through 4 for the national tournament based on their regular-season points totals, regardless of division. The 2025 Robertson Cup tournament was hosted at Fogerty Arena in , from May 16 to 20; the 2026 tournament is scheduled for May 15–19 at the same venue.

Championships

Robertson Cup tournament

The Robertson Cup is the oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, awarded annually to the national playoff champion of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). It is named in honor of Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in , who owned the Paddock Pools Saints franchise that dominated early iterations of . First awarded in following the conclusion of the 1975-76 season, the trophy commemorates Robertson's contributions, including his team's seven consecutive championships from 1977 to 1983. The tournament features the four NAHL division playoff winners, who advance as champions from their respective postseason brackets. Seeded 1 through 4 based on regular-season points totals, the teams compete in a weekend-long event at a neutral site, typically held in mid-to-late May. The format consists of best-of-three semifinal series (#1 seed vs. #4 seed and #2 seed vs. #3 seed), followed by a single winner-take-all game between the semifinal victors; all games use 20-minute sudden-death periods with five skaters per side if necessary. For example, the 2025 tournament took place May 16-20 at Fogerty Arena in , while the 2026 event is scheduled for May 15-19 at the same venue. As the culmination of the NAHL playoffs, the Robertson Cup tournament serves as a premier showcase for top junior prospects, attracting scouts from NCAA programs and NHL teams to evaluate talent for future drafts and commitments. The event is typically streamed live on NAHL TV, the league's broadcast platform, providing widespread access to the high-stakes competition.

List of champions

The Robertson Cup, the NAHL's championship trophy, has been awarded to the playoff winner since the league's inaugural 1975–76 season, except for the 2019–20 season, which was canceled due to the . The tournament determines the national champion through a multi-round playoff culminating in a final series. Below is a complete list of champions by season.
SeasonChampionNotes
1975–76Detroit Little CaesarsFirst-ever Robertson Cup; defeated the Toronto Mars in the final.
1976–77Paddock Pools SaintsBegan a record seven consecutive titles for the team.
1977–78Paddock Pools Saints
1978–79Paddock Pools Saints
1979–80Paddock Pools Saints
1980–81Paddock Pools Saints
1981–82Paddock Pools Saints
1982–83Paddock Pools SaintsCompleted the seven-peat dynasty under owner Chuck Robertson.
1983–84St. Clair FalconsEnded Paddock Pools' streak; one of two titles for the franchise.
1984–85St. Clair FalconsSecond title in as many years.
1985–86Compuware AmbassadorsStarted an era of dominance with eight championships over a decade.
1986–87Compuware Ambassadors
1987–88Compuware Ambassadors
1988–89Compuware Ambassadors
1989–90Compuware Ambassadors
1990–91Kalamazoo Jr. K-WingsInterrupted Compuware's run; one of two titles.
1991–92Compuware Ambassadors
1992–93Kalamazoo Jr. K-WingsSecond title.
1993–94Compuware Ambassadors
1994–95Compuware AmbassadorsFinal title in their eight-win span.
1995–96Springfield Jr. BluesOne of two consecutive titles.
1996–97Springfield Jr. BluesCompleted the back-to-back wins.
1997–98Compuware AmbassadorsAdditional title post-dominance era.
1998–99Compuware AmbassadorsSecond in a row.
1999–00Danville WingsLone title for the franchise.
2000–01Texas TornadoFirst of five championships.
2001–02Compuware Ambassadors
2002–03Pittsburgh ForgeSole title.
2003–04Texas Tornado
2004–05Texas TornadoPart of a three-peat from 2004–06.
2005–06Texas Tornado
2006–07St. Louis BanditsBegan a three-peat.
2007–08St. Louis Bandits
2008–09St. Louis BanditsCompleted the three consecutive titles.
2009–10Bismarck BobcatsFirst of two titles for the team.
2010–11Fairbanks Ice DogsFirst of three championships in the 2010s.
2011–12Texas TornadoFifth and final title.
2012–13Amarillo BullsLone title.
2013–14Fairbanks Ice Dogs
2014–15Minnesota WildernessSole championship.
2015–16Fairbanks Ice DogsThird title, hosted in Fairbanks.
2016–17Lone Star BrahmasFirst of two titles.
2017–18Shreveport MudbugsFirst of two championships.
2018–19Aberdeen WingsLone title; defeated the Lone Star Brahmas 4-0 in the final.
2019–20NoneSeason and tournament canceled due to COVID-19.
2020–21Shreveport MudbugsSecond title; won the final 4-1 against the Maryland Black Bears.
2021–22New Jersey TitansFirst East Division team to win; MVP Tommy Bannister led with key goals.
2022–23Oklahoma WarriorsInaugural championship.
2023–24Lone Star BrahmasSecond title; shut out the Maryland Black Bears 2-0 in Game 3 to clinch.
2024–25Bismarck BobcatsSecond title; defeated the Austin Bruins 4-2 in the final series.
The Paddock Pools Saints hold the record for most championships with seven, all consecutive from 1976–77 to 1982–83, establishing an unmatched era of dominance in the league's early years. The follow with eight titles between 1985–86 and 1999–2000, including multiple streaks that solidified their legacy as one of the most successful franchises. Other notable programs include the Texas Tornado with five wins and the with three, particularly prominent in the .

References

  1. https://nahl.com/the-nahl/about/
  2. https://www.usahockey.com/juniorhockey
  3. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=40718
  4. https://nahl.com/history/nahl-history/
  5. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/149.html
  6. https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/994945
  7. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/gljhl19801976.html
  8. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=1638
  9. https://icehockey.fandom.com/wiki/North_American_Hockey_League
  10. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=5637
  11. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=29247
  12. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=30592
  13. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=40768
  14. https://nahl.com/nahl/downloads/nahl-map.pdf
  15. https://nahl.com/teams/
  16. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=41
  17. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=18
  18. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=65
  19. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=66
  20. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=71
  21. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=50
  22. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=40497
  23. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=67
  24. https://nahl.com/teams/team-detail.cfm?id=72
  25. https://nahl.com/the-nahl/junior-hockey-in-the-us/
  26. https://nahl.com/the-nahl/personnel/
  27. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=20707
  28. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=38964
  29. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=27360
  30. https://nahl.com/schedule/
  31. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=24205
  32. https://nahl.com/standings/
  33. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=40293
  34. https://nahl.com/player-advancement/college/
  35. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=40491
  36. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=40454
  37. https://nahl.com/robertson-cup/
  38. https://nahltv.com/
  39. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=1598
  40. https://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=34474
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