HOCKEY

The North American Hockey League was founded in 1975 when the Michigan Junior League and Wolverine Junior League formed 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. The 2008-09 campaign marks the 33th season of NAHL competition. From modest beginnings - the league that had only three teams at a few points in its early history - the NAHL has blossomed.

Through the years, teams like the Paddock Pool Saints, Detroit Jr. Wings, Redford Royals, Detroit Compuware, Niagara Scenics, Kalamazoo Jr. Wings and Indianapolis Jr. Ice formed the backbone of a solid league that grew to legendary status in the annals of U.S. junior hockey. The NAHL has grown as hockey has grown, from that Detroit-based league in the upper Midwest to one which today spans west to Alaska, east to Ohio, and south to Texas. The League currently has 19 active members in four divisions and regularly receives inquiries about expanding elsewhere.

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. Teams play against their own division and against other divisions to maximize exposure and enhance competition. Most games a scheduled on weekends to allow students to pursue their educations.

Each team plays a 58-game regular season schedule which runs from September to April, with exhibition games and league playoff games providing additional contests. The NAHL Showcase Tournament, Top Prospects Tournament and Robertson Cup Championship Tournament provide teams a chance to measure themselves in front of numerous collegiate and professional scouts and coaches from across North America to ensure top visibility for all NAHL players.