T1ER League
The T1ER League is comprised of USAH National Bound registered teams that compete in a full season at highest level for USA Hockey, which includes strategically located and scheduled showcases during the 2024-25 season. The T1ER Leagues primary mission is to provide development and exposure opportunities for players as they advance on the path to one day play high level junior and college hockey. Historically, the majority of Tier I players recruited by NAHL teams come from the T1ER League, which includes a record number of 66 players tendered in the NAHL for the 2022-23 season. Since 2020, no other youth league has advanced more players to the NAHL than the T1ER League.
Key Details
- Divisions, competition and playoff seeding will be determined by a series of data points utilized by the CBD Rankings (Competition, balance, & development)
- The NAHL continues to partner with Neutral Zone attending T1ER events boosts scouting and exposure for players
- T1ER League players have access to the NAHL Tendering system that is exclusive only to the NAPHL
- The September event is strategically held in conjunction with the NAHL Showcase which draws hundreds of NHL, NCAA and junior scouts annually
- The December event strategically partners with T1EHL and NA3HL Showcase, uniting the nation’s top 18U teams while also attracting every NAHL team for scouting purposes
- NCAA Academic and Junior Recruiting Seminars will take place in December and parents are welcome to attend
- Regional events designed to save on travel and maximize guest team competition
- An 18U and 16U Top Prospects event will take place in February in conjunction with the NAHL Top Prospects that draws hundreds of scouts annually
- T1ER League and its players receive the full support of the NAHL hockey operations and marketing staff
- T1ER League has a dedicated Director, Administrator, Digital Media Coordinator and Director of On Ice Officials
- USAH and NAPHL Playing Rules are utilized in order to provide a pure junior preparatory environment
- USAH National Bound Roster Rules will apply at all times
- NAStat website & Real-time statistics dedicated to promoting the T1ER
- Live video broadcast of every T1ER League Showcase game through NAHLTV.com
- Participants must stay in approved T1ER partner hotels
- Participants must work in the spirit of partnership with T1ER initiatives
- Applicants must execute such documents as are reasonably necessary to complete application
2024-25 T1ER Events
SHOWCASES
Showcases are the large events utilized to attract more scouts in strategic locations and are mandatory for all 18/16/15/14U teams.
Showcase
Sept. 26-29, 2024
Blaine, MN
Partnered with the NAHL Showcase will consist of four games in four days. This event will be the only ticketed event of the season and is mandatory for all 18/16/15/14U teams. Teams will compete against other T1ER, MN High Performance and Tier I guest teams.
T1ER / T1EHL Invitational
Dec. 13-16, 2024
Blaine, MN
This event will contain an NCAA and Junior Recruiting seminars and is mandatory for all 18/16/15/14U teams. Teams will compete against other T1ER, MN High Performance and Tier I guest teams.
NAHL / NCAA Recruiting Seminars
Showcase
Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2025
Cranberry Township, PA
18U & 16U Central division teams.
Dixon Cup Championship
Feb. 14-17, 2025
Troy/Rochester, MI
This event is the T1ER League Dixon Cup championship and is mandatory for all 18U/16U/15U/14U/13U/12U teams. Divisions and seeding will be determined by a series of data points used by NAPHL power rankings.
REGIONAL / NAHL EXPERIENCE EVENTS
Regional Events are smaller events utilized to reduce travel cost for league games and are mandatory for all 18/16U teams.
T1ER West NAHL Experience Weekend
Nov. 1-3, 2024
Albuquerque, NM
16U & 18U West T1ER
T1ER East NAHL Experience Weekend
Nov. 22-25, 2024
Hooksett, NH
14U ALL T1ER; 16U & 18U East T1ER
T1ER East NAHL Experience Weekend
Dec. 6-8, 2024
Sewell, NJ
16U & 18U East T1ER
T1ER Central NAHL Experience Weekend
Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2025
Cranberry Township, PA
16 & 18U Central T1ER
