About

The NPHL is a United States based junior hockey league which features up-and-coming players, including future college and pro players between the ages of 16 to 20, who play the game with speed, skill and enthusiasm as they work to earn college scholarships and professional hockey contracts.

Junior Hockey has a long history as a breeding ground for players who receive superior coaching and step from Junior to top levels of professional hockey or the premier college programs. NHL stars including Mario Lemieux, Mike Modano and Joe Sakic, played Junior Hockey immediately prior to playing in the National Hockey League. Scott Gomez, 1999-2000 NHL Rookie of the Year and member of the Stanley Cup winning New Jersey Devils played Junior Hockey in the United States during the 1998-1999 season.

The three NPHL has graduated hundreds of alumni who are playing in the college ranks. Annually more than 100 Junior Hockey players receive NCAA scholarships to continue their hockey careers and education at top universities.

Players

Rosters consist of some of the highest skilled players in the United States who have not yet turned professional or played college hockey. Players retain their amateur status due to regulations enforced by USA Hockey which conform to current NCAA eligibility requirements. Each team is allowed two imports (non-U.S. citizens) on the roster.

Housing
Players are housed with local families who provide food and transportation. The host families receive a small stipend from the player.

Education
The majority of junior hockey players attend high school or college classes.

Coaching
Teams employ a full-time professional coaching staff whose goals are to develop players for advancement to the higher levels of major junior, college and pro level hockey.

Regular Season
Regular season consists of 48 games beginning in late September and concluding near the end of February. Almost all games are on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Tournament Play
In addition to regular season games, teams play a mid-season tournament commonly referred to as "showcases". These showcases are attended by top college and pro scouts.

Playoffs and National Championship
NPHL playoffs occur in March with the league champion advancing to the National Championship tournament early April.