T1ER League Announces 2025-26 Schedule
The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) is proud to announce the official schedule and structure for the 2025–26 T1ER League season. Featuring premier Tier I youth hockey competition, the T1ER League continues to set the standard in player development, national exposure, and advancement to junior and collegiate hockey.
The upcoming season features a robust schedule of mandatory showcases, regional NAHL Experience events, and enhanced scouting opportunities, reaffirming the league’s mission to provide a clear pathway to the NAHL, NA3HL, USHL, and NCAA hockey.
“We are thrilled to continue to see our league members move their players on to the NAHL and NA3HL,” said Dennis Vickers, Director of Player Personnel for the T1ER League. “This reinforces our commitment to providing unparalleled exposure opportunities for player growth, development, and advancement into the NAHL and beyond.”
T1ER Player Success
The T1ER League continues to lead the nation in player advancement, with 74 players tendered into the NAHL during the 2023–24 season and over 60 T1ER players already tendered to the NAHL in 2025. Additionally, more than 35 T1ER athletes have been tendered or drafted into the NA3HL. No other youth league in the country has advanced more players to the NAHL than the T1ER, solidifying its reputation as the premier pathway for aspiring junior and college hockey players.
T1ER League Highlights and Benefits
The T1ER League offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to maximize player development and exposure. Exclusive NAHL tendering access is available only to NAPHL/T1ER players, providing a direct path to junior hockey. Through a strategic partnership with Neutral Zone, independent scouting is present at all major events to evaluate and promote talent. The league’s data-driven CBD Rankings System ensures competitive balance and fair playoff seeding. Integrated technologies such as NAHLTV, NAScout, TPE Breakdown, and NAStats enhance player visibility and performance tracking. Highlighting the season is the Top Prospects Event in March, held alongside the NA3HL Fraser Cup and NAHL Combine, drawing hundreds of scouts. Additionally, academic and recruiting seminars are hosted during major showcases to educate players and families, all supported by a dedicated staff including a League Director, Administrator, Digital Media Coordinator, and Director of On-Ice Officials.
Upcoming Draft Dates
- NAHL Futures Draft: June 10, 2025 (’09 Birth Years Only)
- NAHL Entry Draft: June 11, 2025 (’05-’09 Eligible Free Agents)
About the T1ER League
The T1ER League, operated under the NAPHL, is the nation’s premier Tier I youth hockey platform focused on elite player development and advancement. Built around a national showcase model, the league supports strategic exposure opportunities, high-level competition, and full integration with the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
2025–26 Key Events and Dates:
NAHL Showcase
Blaine, MN | September 25–28, 2025
- 98+ teams participating alongside the NAHL Showcase
- Over 300 scouts expected, including NHL, NCAA, and junior programs
- USNTDP 17U included in competition
T1ER / T1EHL Invitational
Blaine, MN | October 31–November 3, 2025
- 40 Elite 18U teams from T1ER and T1EHL
- Coincides with the NAHL Tender Release (Nov. 1)
- NCAA and Junior Recruiting Seminars included
Dixon Cup Championship
Troy/Rochester, MI | February 13–16, 2026
- Championship event for all 12U–18U age groups
- Seeding determined by CBD Power Rankings
- Full attendance from NAHL scouts and staff
Regional NAHL Experience Events
Providing reduced travel while maximizing NAHL interaction and exposure:
- Janesville Jets Showcase | Janesville, WI | Oct. 17–20 (West Region/Guest Opponents Welcome)
- T1ER Exposure Showcase | Marlborough, MA | Nov. 21–24 (Optional/Guest Opponents Welcome)
- Philadelphia Rebels Showcase | Sewell, NJ | Dec. 5–7 (East Region/Guest Opponents Welcome)
- Rochester Jr. Americans Showcase | Fairport, NY | Jan. 30–Feb. 2 (Central Region/Guest Opponents Welcome)
Participation & Application Info
Minimum Events Per Age Group:
18U/16U: 4 events (incl. Dixon Cup)
15U: 3 events (incl. Dixon Cup)
14U: 2 events (incl. Dixon Cup)
13U: 1 tournament-style event (Dixon Cup)
New Team Applications & Inquiries:
Dennis Vickers – Director of Player Personnel (dvickers@nahl.com)
More information can be found at www.NAT1HL.com, including schedules, live broadcasts, stats, and updates throughout the season.
