USA Hockey–sanctioned
- USHL — United States Hockey League (Tier I) – the only Tier I junior league in the U.S.
- NAHL — North American Hockey League (Tier II) – the only Tier II league.
- NA3HL — North American 3 Hockey League (Tier III) – the only Tier III league.
Independent (non–USA Hockey)
- USPHL — United States Premier Hockey League: runs the NCDC (tuition-free) plus Premier and Elite junior divisions; operates outside USA Hockey.
- EHL — Eastern Hockey League (with EHLP development tier): operates independently of USA Hockey.
Also relevant in the U.S. (Major Junior, CHL)
- The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) isn’t under USA Hockey but has U.S.-based teams:
- OHL has franchises in Flint and Saginaw (MI) and Erie (PA). Canadian Hockey League
- WHL includes multiple U.S. clubs (e.g., Everett, Spokane, Seattle, Tri-City, Portland, Wenatchee). Elite ProspectsCanadian Hockey League
NCAA-bound pathway (primary route into NCAA)
- USHL — United States Hockey League (Tier I, USA Hockey). Top junior league in the U.S.; largest share of Division I commits. It’s the only Tier I league under USA Hockey.
- NAHL — North American Hockey League (Tier II, USA Hockey). Only Tier II league under USA Hockey; nationwide footprint and heavy DI/DIII placement.
- NA3HL — North American 3 Hockey League (Tier III, USA Hockey). Only USA Hockey–sanctioned Tier III league. Common step toward NAHL/DIII/ACHA.
- USPHL (independent). Runs NCDC (tuition-free), Premier, and Elite divisions outside USA Hockey; places players into NCAA (mostly DIII) and ACHA.
- EHL (independent). Development-focused junior league with a feeder EHLP tier; strong NCAA DIII placement; operates outside USA Hockey.
http://thehockeytournamentresource.com
