NAPHL announces final team line-up for 2017-18 season

August 10, 2017

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced the 22 programs and 50 teams that have been accepted and granted memberships into the league for the 2017-18 season, which will be the ninth season of the NAPHL. 

 

Arizona Bobcats, California Titans, CarShield AAA, Colorado Springs Tigers, Dallas Blackhawks Elite, Esmark Stars, Elite Hockey, Everett Jr. Silvertips, Madison Capitols, Meijer AAA Hockey, New Jersey Jr. Titans, Pursuit of Excellence, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede, Tampa Scorpions, Thunder Bay Kings, Valley Forge Minutemen, Wenatchee Wolves

 

Arizona Bobcats, California Titans, CarShieldAAA, Colorado Springs Tigers, Dallas Blackhawks Elite, Elite Hockey, Esmark Stars, Everett Jr. Silvertips, Madison Capitols, Meijer AAA Hockey, New Jersey Jr. Titans, Pursuit of Excellence, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede, Thunder Bay Kings, Valley Forge Minutemen, Washington Little Capitals

 

Alaska Oilers, Arizona Bobcats, CarShield AAA, Colorado Springs Tigers, Elite Hockey, Esmark Stars, Madison Capitols, Meijer AAA, New Jersey Jr. Titans, Omaha AAA, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, Tampa Scorpions, Washington Little Capitals

 

Founded in 2009, the NAPHL continues to establish itself as one of the premier grounds for development and exposure. The success of teams on the National stage, as well as the success of NAPHL players at the next levels of hockey, is further proof that the NAPHL is redefining exposure and has elevated itself to one of the premier training grounds for development and opportunity.

 

The NAPHL has proved over the years that the league is a great stepping-stone for development and training for young hockey players looking to gain experience and knowledge to work their way up to the National level. In total, 46 NAPHL players signed tenders with NAHL teams throughout the course of the 2016-17 season. What’s more impressive is that no other midget league had more players sign NAHL tenders than the NAPHL. In addition, 10 players with NAPHL ties were selected in the NAHL Draft. In total, 56 former NAPHL players now have their rights protected by an NAHL for the 2017-18 season. During the past two years, 120 NAPHL players have signed an NAHL tender or been drafted into the NAHL, a remarkable total.

 

“This season the NAPHL will have an all-time record number of 50 teams, which is exciting for all of us as it provides more players with the opportunity for development on and off the ice,” said NAPHL Director Tony Zasowski. “The NAPHL continues to set new standards with the continued advancement of NAPHL players to the NAHL and beyond. Thanks to the event schedule, enhanced competition, NAHL Central Scouting and quality coaching, we expect that trend to continue this season.”

 

Each NAPHL team will play in five different events during the 2017-18 season. The five events that compose the NAPHL regular season schedule are spread amongst just two locations. The Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, MN will host four events and the Troy Sports Center in Troy, MI will host one during the regular season. In addition to the regular season event schedule, the NAPHL is planning on All-Star Games at both the 18U and 16U levels, which will take place during the fourth event of the season in Blaine, MN.  The NAPHL season will conclude with the NAPHL Championship Series, which will be held in Troy, MI from February 17-20. All teams will participate in the NAPHL Championship in either a Gold (Championship) or Silver (Consolation) Division.

 

September 21-24, 2017 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota

October 20-23, 2017 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota

November 10-13, 2017 – Troy Sports Center – Troy, Michigan

December 1-4, 2017 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota

January 26-29, 2018 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota

• NAPHL 18U and 16U All-Star Games

February 17-20, 2018 – Troy Sports Center – Troy, Michigan (NAPHL Championship)

 

In addition to the regular season event schedule, the NAPHL is planning on All-Star Games at both the 18U and 16U levels, which will take place during the fourth event of the season in Blaine, MN.  The NAPHL season will conclude with the NAPHL Dixon Cup Championship, which will be held in Troy, MI from February 17-20. All teams will participate in the NAPHL Championship in either a Gold (Championship) or Silver (Consolation) Division.