Lets start off with a Comparative List of Junior Hockey Leagues in the US vs Canada?
CHL Canada (Major Junior)– WHL, OHL, QMJHL
Tier I US– USHL
Tier II US – NAHL
Tier II Canada (Jr A)- AJHL, OJHL, NOJHL, CCHL, Maritimes and others
Self Governed/ Defined US Leagues– NCDC & EHL
Self Governed/ Defined Canadian Leagues– BCHL
Tier III US & Jr . B Canada– NA3HL, Lower Level USPHL leagues, Canadian Jr. B
Here are some of the Standard Fees Associated with Tier II Canada & Self Governed US Leagues:
NCDC- Registration Fee (2023-24) + Tuition for some teams in 2024-25
MJHL- Maximum $800 plus showcase fees
SIJHL- Player fee between $750- $5000
NOJHL- Player fee between $2000-4000
OJHL- player fee $4500
CCHL- player fee $4500
EHL- Player Tuition varies per team
Now make the comparison between leagues… Which leagues have separated themselves versus Tier III or Jr. B hockey? Tier I is the highest level, with no fees or housing costs attached, and is a proven ground for NCAA D1 or professional advancement, and Tier II (US) is a proven league for a mix of D1 & DIII NCAA advancement, which leagues are the best for NCAA DII, DIII and ACHA advancement?
According to 2021-22 Advancement data:
In data taken from the 2021-22 Season and listed on their respective league websites:
EHL had 19 teams and 172 NCAA DII & III commits = 9.05 players per team
NOJHL had 12 teams and 39 Commits (NCAA DIII, USports & ACHA)= 3.25 players per team
CCHL had 12 teams and 18 NCAA (D1 or DIII) advancements = 1.5 players per team
With the announcement that the US- based NCDC will now have 2 teams in the 2024-25 season operating as Pay to Play within their Self- Defined Tier II label (see full story on USPHL website here- Boston Jr. Rangers and Railers Junior Hockey Club To Join USPHL | NCDC (ncdchockey.com) ) will this open up more leagues to have Tier II Pay to Play Hockey?
Tier II Pay to Play Jr. A is an established model in Canada… will this become the model in the United States?
Which leagues are most deserving of this Label?
Stay tuned over the coming months as this story continues to evolve…
