NAPHL T1ER League

T1ER League

The T1ER League is comprised of USA Hockey National Bound registered teams that compete in a full-season format at the highest level for youth hockey in the U.S. The league is built around strategically located and scheduled showcases throughout the season, maximizing exposure and development opportunities for elite players.

The league's primary mission is to provide a clear path for advancement to high-level junior and college hockey. Since 2020, the T1ER League has advanced more players to the NAHL than any other youth league and saw a record 74 players tendered into the NAHL for the 2023-24 season.

Key Details

CBD Rankings System determines divisions, competition balance, and playoff seeding using data-driven metrics: Competition, Balance & Development.
Neutral Zone partnership: Independent scouting attends all major T1ER events.
Exclusive NAHL Tendering Access: Available only to NAPHL / T1ER players.
Integrated with NAHL Showcases: Increases visibility to NHL, NCAA, and junior scouts.
Academic and Recruiting Seminars: Held during T1ER Events
Regional Events: Reduce travel and increase guest team competition.
Top Prospects Event: Held in March alongside the NA3HL Fraser Cup, and NAHL Combine, attracting hundreds of scouts.
Full support from NAHL hockey operations and marketing staff.
Dedicated T1ER League Staff: Director, Administrator, Digital Media Coordinator, and Director of On-Ice Officials.
USAH Playing and Roster Rules enforced to maintain integrity and structure.
Live broadcasts on NAHLTV.com, plus access to NAScout and TPE Breakdown analytics.
NAStat Website with real-time stats and player promotion tools.
Hotel and travel partnerships to streamline team logistics.
Teams must participate in good faith with T1ER initiatives and league operations.

2025-26 T1ER Events

Showcases

All events are Stay to Play—participants must book through designated partner hotels.

NAHL Showcase - (Mandatory for 18U/16U/15U/14U Teams)

Sept. 25-28, 2025
Blaine, MN

Partnered with NAHL Showcase - 4 games in 4 days
Only ticketed event of the year
Opponents include T1ER, MN HP, and Tier I guest teams
Guest teams are welcome, but space may be limited at some venues.

T1ER / T1EHL Invitational - (Mandatory for 18U/16U/15U Teams)

Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2025
Blaine, MN

NCAA & Junior Recruiting Seminars included
Guest and league team matchups
Guest teams are welcome, but space may be limited at some venues.

Dixon Cup Championship - (Mandatory for 18U/16U/15U/14U/13U/12U Teams)

Feb. 14-17, 2026
Troy/Rochester, MI

Playoff seeding determined by CBD Power Rankings

Regional / NAHL Experience Events

(Required for 16U & 18U Teams in Specified Regions)

All events are Stay to Play—participants must book through designated partner hotels.

Janesville Jets Experience Showcase

Oct. 17 - 20, 2025
Janesville, WI

West Region Teams

Philadelphia Rebels Experience Showcase

Dec. 5 - 7, 2025
Sewell, NJ

East Region Teams

Rochester Jr. Americans Experience Showcase>

Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2025
Fairport, NY

Central Region Teams

T1ER Exposure Experience Showcase

All events are Stay to Play—participants must book through designated partner hotels.

Nov. 21 - 24, 2025
Marlborough, MA

Optional for 16U & 18U Teams
Guest teams are welcome, but space may be limited at some venues.

Participation Requirements

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 & 12U: 1 tournament-style event (Dixon Cup)

Application & Payment Info

New Team Applications please contact Dennis Vickers.

Event Fees

$2,600 per event
18U, 16U, 15U, 14U Payment Schedule
- 50% due on or before August 1, 2025
- 50% due on or before November 15, 2025
13U, 12U Payment Structure
- 100% due on or before August 1, 2025
Returning teams will be invoiced directly