Following the path of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, and the American Development Model, USA Hockey once again renewed its commitment to innovative player development by establishing the USA Hockey Development League, which will begin operations in the 2027-28 season. Legislation approving the Development League was passed at the 2026 USA Hockey Winter Meeting. The following frequently asked questions aim to clarify aspects of the legislation. 

What is the USA Hockey Development League (DL)?

The DL will not be a league in the traditional sense, but rather a framework of youth hockey programs across the United States, with the primary objective of optimizing player development. 

What is the rationale for the DL? 

The landscape of youth hockey in the U.S. is evolving, with more talented players emerging each year. The DL would provide an additional level of hockey within USA Hockey's player development pathway to ensure that players receive optimal training and competition, ultimately strengthening the overall player pool for junior and college hockey. 

What is the timeline for the DL?

Applications for the DL will open on May 1, 2026, and close on June 30, 2026. Program selection will be announced on October 16, 2026. The DL will begin play in the Fall of 2027.

Will the DL replace Tier 1 Hockey?

No. The implementation of the DL is not intended to displace any component of the existing youth hockey infrastructure. Instead, the DL will be assimilated into the current Tier I and youth hockey framework to further define the player development pathway. It is designed to work in cooperation with Tier I hockey. 

What age groups will be included in the DL?

The DL shall encompass full-season teams at the 15U and 17U age classifications. Selected DL organizations may field up to five teams, one each in the following age classifications: 13O (Tier 1), 14U (Tier1), 15U (DL), 17U (DL), 18U (Tier 1).

Why 15U and 17U age categories?

Establishing 15U and 17U age categories acknowledges the non-linear nature of player development. These categories, in conjunction with the traditional Tier I categories of 13O, 14U, 15O, 16U and 18U emphasize the importance of having multiple entry and exit points to facilitate individual player development.   

How many teams will participate in the DL?

The DL is slated to commence with thirty-two (32) programs, each of which will be required to field one (1) team at the 15U level and one (1) team at the 17U level.

How will programs be selected for the DL? 

Teams will be selected through an application process reviewed by a joint oversight subcommittee. DL programs would be chosen based on a matrix of past performance, commitment to player development, and history of player advancement.  Geographic distribution will be considered in team selection, ensuring strategic regional representation across the national landscape. 

What is the permissible roster size for DL teams?

Each 15U and 17U team shall maintain a maximum roster size of twenty-two (22) players, with a minimum roster requirement of twenty (20) players. Each roster must include two (2) goaltenders. 

What are the restrictions concerning international players?

Each DL team may roster and play up to two (2) non-U.S. Citizens, (excluding goalies, who must be U.S. citizens) provided that the player(s) have previously been registered with USA Hockey and played on a USA Hockey team.

How would DL players be selected? 

DL programs will be responsible for conducting their own tryouts, as well as scouting and signing of players to form team rosters within USA Hockey rules.

What is the residency requirement for DL teams?

There will be no affiliate or district residency requirements for DL teams. 

Who will be responsible for scheduling?

Scheduling will be conducted by the individual teams.

How many games will DL teams play?

DL teams will participate in a maximum of 55 games excluding playoffs and championship. Sixty percent, specifically 35 games, are required to be played against other DL teams, excluding playoffs.

Will DL teams compete in the USA Hockey National Championships?

No. The DL will have a separate DL playoff and championship.

How will this impact junior hockey in the United States? 

The DL is intended to enhance the national development pathway by preparing players to successfully transition into Tier I (United States Hockey League) and Tier II (North American Hockey League) junior hockey. By focusing on advanced training and competition, the DL aims to elevate the overall quality and readiness of athletes entering the junior ranks.

Will players outside the DL still have a pathway to junior and college hockey? 

Yes. The DL is designed to be one of several development pathways. Players participating in Tier I, High School, Prep School, and Tier II will continue to have access to advancement opportunities. Additionally, the DL is structured to support flexible development, offering multiple entry and exit points to accommodate individual player progression.

Why is there no DL for Girls hockey? 

USA Hockey’s Girls Council has determined that no change to the girls developmental pathway is needed at this time.  The challenges in Tier 1 youth hockey require structural changes that are not currently present in girls' hockey. USA Hockey has modified the structure of girls' hockey in the past and will continue to make changes as needed.

How does the DL fit into the historic progression of player development in the United States? 

The DL represents the latest step in USA Hockey’s long-term commitment to advancing player development. It follows two major milestones: the launch of the National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 1996 and the implementation of the American Development Model (ADM) in 2009. It is a natural evolution in USA Hockey's commitment to player development. A common goal of all three of these revolutionary changes in American hockey is to set a new, higher standard for player development across the entirety of the youth hockey landscape.