T1ER

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.

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.

Application Details

New teams applying for the T1ER League please contact Dennis Vickers.

General Information

• Each event costs $2,500
• 18U, 16U, 15U, 14U Payment Structure
  • 50% due on or before August 1, 2024
  • 50% due on or before November 15, 2024
• 13U, 12U Payment Structure
  • 100% due on or before August 1, 2024
• Returning teams will be invoiced accordingly
  • 50% due on or before August 1, 2024
  • 50% due on or before November 15, 2024

Minimum participation requirement to be a member

• 18U & 16U 4 events (including playoffs)
• 15U & 14U 3 events (including playoffs)
• 13U & 12U 1 event (tournament style)

Events can be found on NAT1HL.COM.