I want to remind all readers that this series of articles rating the junior hockey leagues in North America is based upon independent opinions and analysis of scouts throughout the United States and Canada.
This rating is based upon the 2014-2015 season and nothing more. A leagues history does not come into account in any way.
The criteria that was used in rating these eleven leagues, was how do teams within the leagues compare when developing players who move on to the NHL, NCAA, Canadian University, USHL, NAHL, Canada Junior A and Major Junior hockey programs. The size of the league as in number of teams was also taken into account for depth of player talent throughout the league. The level of promotion of commitments was also taken into account for this particular rating.
Again this is not a historical account of each league but a rating based upon last season alone. We hope this series of articles is informative and promotes a healthy discussion.
1. USPHL – Premier
The USPHL, continues to be the top Tier III league in the United States. Geography was one critical factor scouts noted for scouting the league, and showcase promotion was another. No other Tier III league does the work the USPHL does to get scouts out, or recruit the top players.
2. Eastern Hockey League
The EHL, continues to be a top producer of NCAA prospects. The EHL also has a fair amount of players who move on to Tier II when having junior eligibility remaining. With a revamped website, and development structure for 2015, the EHL will likely improve on its ability to move players up.
3. NA3HL
The NA3HL is continuing to improve on its ability to secure NCAA D-3 commitments for its players. Quality coaching and ownership has allowed for an increased ability to be proactive in player marketing.
4. USPHL – Elite
The USPHL Elite continues to be a scouting staple on the east coast. With players moving on to NCAA and the Premier division, the Elite league is focused on development and promotion.
5. MnJHL – USPHL Mid West for 2015
MNJHL in its final season saw the Dells Ducks and Wisconsin Rapids River Kings leading the way in player promotions. Other organizations within the league are now following their lead and using many of the same ideas to move their players on. With the switch to the USPHL this season, we look for a dramatic uptick in player promotions.
6. Metropolitan Junior Hockey League
While many scouts liked the Met, many also complained that player information was very hard to get in many cases. Without player information, promotion is not easily accomplished.
7. USPHL Empire
The Empire league is seen as a league used to develop players that eventually move on to the USPHL Elite and sometimes Premiere divisions. The Empire is clearly focused on being a younger league for development purposes.
8. WSHL
The WSHL continues to try to improve its ability to move players on. The league as a whole suffers from a lack of scouting simply due to geography, and the inability of several teams to compete with the higher level recruiters within the league.
9. NA3EHL
The league formerly known as the NSHL increased their scouting profile by their affiliation with the NA3HL. While the profile was increased, it is still seen as a league trying to define itself for scouting purposes.
10. NPHL (NorPAC)
Many scouts reported that information on the league and its players is next to impossible to get, and that teams and the league do not do enough for player promotion. Scouts have also continued to state that being so far out of the scouting loop geographically that when player information isn’t available that the league remains on a low interest level for scouting.
11. MWJHL – USPHL Mid West for 2015
The MWJHL is gone. Making the smart move to join the USPHL Mid West, will make the former league members stronger over the next few years.
12. GMHL
The Greater Metro Hockey League is simply not a development league scouts put on their schedules. The occasional promotion does not make it a scouting destination. Scouts continually commented that any non sanctioned league that uses players that are already 21 year old at the start of the season, or turn 22 during the season, is not a junior hockey league by definition, but rather a mens travel hockey league.
