NAPHL releases 2015-16 game and event schedule
July 14, 2015
The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced the schedule for the 2015-16 season, which includes the first event of the season at the 13th annual NAHL Showcase, which will be held from September 24-27 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. The five events that compose the NAPHL regular season schedule are spread amongst three locations. The Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, MN will host three events and the Troy Sports Center in Troy, MI and the Ice Works Skating Complex in Aston, PA will each host one event. Each NAPHL team will play 25 regular season games during the season.
The NAPHL, which will be celebrating its seventh season in 2015-16, is composed of 40 Midget Major (18U) and Midget Minor (16U) teams from across North America that compete at the USA Hockey Tier I level. 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. This past season was one for the record books for the NAPHL. A record number of seven NAPHL alumni were selected in the 2015 NHL Draft. A record number of 63 NAPHL players were either tendered or drafted into the NAHL and a record number of 23 NAPHL players were selected in the 2015 USHL Draft.
"Over the past six seasons, the NAPHL has evolved into one of the top Tier I leagues in the North America in terms of player development and advancement,” said NAPHL Director Lucas Trombetta. “This past season was one for the record books in terms of player advancement, NCAA commitments and recognition of alumni at the junior, NCAA and professional levels and we hope to continue that trend in 2015-16 with an exciting mix of familiar and new teams that will continue to raise the bar thanks to a unique event schedule, balanced competition, event scouting system and quality coaching.”
The 2015-16 season begins at the 13th annual NAHL Showcase, which will be held from September 24-27 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. Not only will NAPHL face some tough competition amongst themselves, but several teams will compete in crossover games against teams from the High Performance Hockey League (HPHL) at the event, while others in the 16U Division will also face some at-large teams that are also competing in the first event of the season.
The NAPHL teams for the 2015-16 season are: Arizona Bobcats, California Titans, Esmark Stars, Everett Jr. Silvertips (16U), HC Dallas, Lockport Express (18U), Madison Capitols, Meijer AAA Hockey, Minnesota Revolution, New Jersey Jr. Titans, New York Aviators (16U), Omaha AAA Hockey Club, Philadelphia Little Flyers, Pikes Peak Miners, Pursuit of Excellence, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, San Diego Jr. Gulls, St. Louis Selects, Thunder Bay Kings, Washington Little Capitals, Wenatchee Wolves (18U), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights.
In addition to the regular season event schedule, the NAPHL is planning on All-Star Games at both the 18U and 16U levels. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top 10 teams in each division will qualify for the NAPHL Playoffs where they will compete for the Dixon Cup (named in honor of the late NAPHL coach and founding member, Dean Dixon). The playoffs will be held February 12-15, 2016 at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor, MI.
2015-16 NAPHL Schedule of Events
September 24-27, 2015 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota
October 16-19, 2015 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota
November 13-16, 2015 – Ice Works Skating Complex – Aston, Pennsylvania
December 4-7, 2015 – Schwan Super Rink – Blaine, Minnesota (NAPHL 16U All-Star Game, December 6th)
January 7-10, 2016 – Troy Sports Center – Troy, Michigan (NAPHL 18U All-Star Game, January 9th)
February 12-15, 2016 – Ann Arbor Ice Cube – Ann Arbor, Michigan (NAPHL Championship Series)