NAHL Announces 2025 Prospects Challenge

May 13, 2025

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the official schedule for the 2025 NAHL Prospects Challenge, set to take place May 16–18, 2025, at Fogerty Arena and the NSC Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota.

The event will feature teams at the 18U (2007-08) and 16U (2009-10) levels, assembled by NAHL member clubs. It serves as a key part of the league’s developmental model, providing aspiring junior players an opportunity to compete at a high level and gain exposure in front of NAHL coaches and scouts ahead of the league’s Main Camps, Futures Draft, and Entry Draft.

Event Format:

Each team will play a minimum of four games
Three, 17-minute periods per game
Round-robin play followed by Semi-Final, Consolation, and Championship matchups
Championship Games are set for Sunday, May 18th at 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM

Held in conjunction with the 2025 Robertson Cup, the Prospects Challenge is strategically timed to maximize participation and visibility. With all NAHL clubs in attendance for the league’s championship event, the Prospects Challenge benefits from increased scouting coverage and a highly competitive atmosphere.

“You can really see the success of last year’s event in the growth this year,” said Dennis Vickers, NAHL Director of Player Personnel. “In 2023, we had 30 total NAHL-branded teams participate. That grew to 46 in 2024, and this year we’re up to 48 total teams at the 16U and 18U levels. This event not only allows players to compete in front of NAHL coaches, but also gives teams the ability to use a subsidiary tender on participating players—it’s a win-win.”

Each NAHL organization is eligible to enter 18U and 16U team(s), ensuring alignment with league scouting and development efforts. The event also includes an educational component, helping players and families better understand the NAHL path and expectations at the junior level.

“The Prospects Challenge is a tremendous event that allows players to experience the intensity and visibility of the NAHL environment,” continued Vickers, NAHL Director of Player Personnel. “With so many scouts and coaches present, players will have a great chance to be evaluated and take the next step toward junior hockey. It also gives them a first-hand look at the standard required to compete at the NAHL level.”

The 2025 NAHL Prospects Challenge continues to strengthen the league’s talent pipeline, uniting competition, education, and opportunity in one of the most scout-heavy weekends on the calendar.

For more information and to view the game schedule for the 2025 NAHL Prospects Challenge, visit: https://www.nahl.com/prospects-challenge/