The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the release of the 2015-16 regular-season schedule.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary season in 2015-16, 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 last two seasons, over 440 NAHL players have made NCAA commitments, including a record number of 222 NCAA commitments during the 2014-15 season, and close to 100 alumni were playing in the NHL this past season.
“We are excited to be entering our 40th season, which comes at a time of tremendous success for the league. The anticipation of a new season and schedule is at an all-time high because of the record number of player movement to the NCAA and NHL and continued support from the fans in our respective communities,” said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. I want to thank our owners and coaches for providing so many opportunities for players to pursue their dream, it's what makes this league great year after year and we look forward to the start of our 40th year and all that comes with it.”
View the 2015-16 NAHL Schedule in .pdf format
Each of the 22 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 11, 2015 and end on April 9, 2016
The 13th annual NAHL Showcase Tournament will be held from September 23-26, 2015 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. All 22 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 2016 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament will be held from February 15-16, 2016 at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. A schedule and format will be announced on a future date.
The 2016 Robertson Cup Championship, which crowns the NAHL’s playoff champion and USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior National Champion, will be held from May 12-15, 2015 at a neutral site and will feature the four NAHL Divisional Playoff Champions. A location for the event has yet to be determined.
2015-16 NAHL Divisional Alignment:
South Division (6): Amarillo Bulls, Corpus Christi IceRays, Lone Star Brahmas, Odessa Jackalopes, Topeka RoadRunners, Wichita Falls Wildcats.
Central Division (6): Aberdeen Wings, Austin Bruins, Bismarck Bobcats, Brookings Blizzard, Minnesota Magicians, Minot Minotauros.
East Division (4): Aston Rebels, Johnstown Tomahawks, New Jersey Titans, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights.
Midwest Division (6): Coulee Region Chill, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Janesville Jets, Kenai River Brown Bears, Minnesota Wilderness, Springfield Jr. Blues