NAHL announces schedule for 2024 Prospects Challenge
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the schedule for the 2024 NAHL Prospects Challenge, which will take place from May 17-19, 2024. The games will be held at Fogerty Arena and the NSC Super Rink, in Blaine, Minnesota.
The NAHL Prospects Challenge is a valuable addition to the league's developmental pathway. By incorporating both 18U and 16U teams assembled by NAHL Member teams, it offers a platform for young players to compete at a high level and gain exposure to NAHL coaches and scouts.
The strategic timing of the event alongside the Robertson Cup enhances its significance, as it allows for increased participation from NAHL teams and expands the geographical reach for scouting and recruitment efforts. This alignment creates a synergy between showcasing top-tier talent at the Robertson Cup and providing a platform for up-and-coming prospects to make their mark.
Moreover, the educational aspect of the Prospects Challenge is noteworthy. It provides an opportunity for players to learn from NAHL coaches and staff, gain insights into the league's standards and expectations, and understand the pathway to advancement within the NAHL and beyond. Overall, the Prospects Challenge aims at nurturing young talent, strengthening the league's talent pipeline, and fostering connections between players, and teams.
“You can really see the success of last year’s event in the growth this year,” Director of Player Personnel Dennis Vickers said. “Last year we had 16 (18U) and 14 (16U) NAHL branded organizations. This year boasts 24 (18U) and 22 (16U) NAHL branded organizations. This provides players an opportunity to prove themselves in front of the NAHL coaches and scouts, and allows the NAHL teams to use a subsidiary tender on players participating in the event. It’s a win-win.”
The event is designed to maximize exposure for the players and bring together teams for like minded and enhanced competition. Each NAHL member club is eligible to enter one 18U team and one 16U team in the event.
“The prospects challenge is a great event for the players to gain experience on the ice and exposure from NAHL teams,” NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld said. “The players should expect to have a great experience and great hockey being played in front of NAHL Scouts. The event provides the players a chance to be evaluated and perform as they look to earn the opportunity to tryout and hopefully make an NAHL team some day"
Having a three-game round-robin followed by semi-final or consolation, as well as championship matches, it provides a platform for teams to assess talent and for players to showcase their skills.
A minimum of four games ensures that each team gets a significant amount of playing time, allowing coaches and scouts to thoroughly evaluate the players' performances. The three, 17-minute periods offer ample time for players to demonstrate their abilities and for teams to strategize and adapt during gameplay. The Championship Games are scheduled for 3:00 and 3:15pm puck drop on Sunday, May 19th.
For more information about the 2024 NAHL Prospects Challenge click here.
