In an exciting development for junior hockey players, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) has solidified an enhanced partnership with the United States Prospects Hockey Leagues (USPHL), specifically with its top division, the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Under this expanded collaboration, all NCDC teams will now have access to two tenders, allowing them to select players from the THF for potential inclusion in their rosters for the upcoming season. The addition of tenders is aimed at bolstering player advancement opportunities, aligning with THF’s core objective of facilitating players’ progression within the realm of junior hockey.
Moreover, the partnership with the USPHL ensures that players on Tier I teams affiliated with an NCDC team are safeguarded by the organization, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the sport.
It’s important to note that while securing a tender does not guarantee an immediate spot on the team, it does provide the player with rights owned by the NCDC team for the subsequent season within the USPHL. This initiative is expected to generate more opportunities for players to transition into the highly competitive landscape of junior hockey.
THF Commissioner, Tony Zasowski, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the primary goal of player advancement. “One of the primary goals of the THF is player advancement, and the NCDC/THF tendering relationship gives all of our players more opportunities to make the jump to junior hockey,” Commissioner Zasowski stated.
Echoing this sentiment, USPHL Commissioner Bob Turow highlighted the continuous efforts to expand player recruitment, especially with the THF’s nationwide growth and expansion. “The NCDC/USPHL is always looking to expand its player recruitment, and with the growth and expansion of the THF nationally, it made perfect sense for the NCDC to create a tender to be used on players in the THF,” Commissioner Turow remarked.
The strengthened partnership between THF and the USPHL’s NCDC division is poised to reshape the landscape of junior hockey, presenting a host of exciting opportunities for aspiring athletes and affirming the organizations’ dedication to elevating player development and progression in the sport.
