The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the release of the 2016-17 regular-season schedule.
Celebrating its 41st season in 2016-17, the NAHL is the oldest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two that operate under the non pay-to-play model. The NAHL is also one of the best at advancing players to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
During the 2015-16 season, the NAHL set a new single-season record with more more than 240 NCAA commitments, 73% of which were NCAA Division I commitments. In addition, five current NAHL players were selected in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
“The release of the regular season schedule is always an exciting time for the league and our teams because it truly gives us some dates to look forward to. With two new teams in the mix for the 2016-17 season, we look forward to some new rivalries being created and even more opportunities for players to pursue their dream,” said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “Our owners did an incredible job of making this schedule happen in a timely manner. The anticipation for the start of the season is at an all-time high thanks to our player movement to the NCAA and NHL and continued support from the fans in our respective communities.”
Each of the 24 teams in the league’s four divisions (Central, East, Midwest and South) will play 60 regular season games. The regular season will commence on September 9, 2016 and end on April 9, 2017.
The 14th annual NAHL Showcase Tournament will be held from September 21-24, 2016 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. All 24 NAHL teams will play four regular-season games at the Showcase, which is considered one of hockey’s most prominent and popular events of the entire season. For scouting purposes, the event is a yearly gathering for every NCAA program and NHL team as they get their first look at some of the best and brightest hockey talent North America has to offer. A showcase schedule will be announced on a future date.
The 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament will be held from February 27-28, 2017 at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. A schedule and format will be announced on a future date.
The 2017 Robertson Cup Championship, which crowns the NAHL’s playoff champion and USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior National Champion, will be held from May 11-14, 2017 at a neutral site and will feature the four NAHL Divisional Playoff Champions. A location for the event has yet to be determined.
2016-17 NAHL Divisional Alignment:
Central Division (6): Aberdeen Wings, Austin Bruins, Bismarck Bobcats, Brookings Blizzard, Minnesota Wilderness, Minot Minotauros.
East Division (5): Aston Rebels, Johnstown Tomahawks, New Jersey Titans, Northeast Generals, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights.
Midwest Division (6): Coulee Region Chill, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Janesville Jets, Kenai River Brown Bears, Minnesota Magicians, Springfield Jr. Blues
South Division (7): Amarillo Bulls, Corpus Christi IceRays, Lone Star Brahmas, Odessa Jackalopes, Shreveport Mudbugs, Topeka RoadRunners, Wichita Falls Wildcats.
