North American Hockey League (NAHL)

League Introduction
Welcome to the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the newest professional hockey league that will span across all of North America and it will look to bring hockey to some new markets while keeping historic hockey cities with teams as well. 

Jack Sparall will serve as the first league commissioner and will be assisted by the head of player safety Austin Temptal. The league is receiving its money backing from the same organization that has backed the LIV Golf Tour. While the golf world received scrutiny for taking the money, Jack and the NAHL board conducted an investigation that all money is legitimate and legal from the oil companies. The new league backers have also launched their own sponsor companies to support the league. Which include Legacy Apparel, Rinkside Tickets, Shock Sports Drink, Momentum Hockey Gear, Pioneer Outfitters and Frozen Frenzy Hockey Network (which will broadcast all NAHL, MHL and UHA events). 

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) will begin with 32 teams across both Canada and the United States (6 CAN & 26 USA). The league will keep the same game rule book as the current North American/NHL rule book. It will be an 80 game regular season, with a 3-2-1-0 point system (3 win, 2 OT win, 1 OT loss & 0 for regulation loss). There will be an eastern and western conference, with 4 divisions total (Pacific Coastal, Central, Great Lakes and Atlantic Coastal). The top 3 teams from each division will make the playoffs and then there will be 2 wildcard slots from each conference. Each playoff series will be a best of 7.  

Each NAHL team will have two minor league members, the Minor Hockey League (MHL) and the United Hockey Association (UHA). It will be a similar structure to the NHL minor league system with the MHL serving as the first minor league team and the UHA being the 2nd level minor team below the MHL. Both leagues will follow the same rule book and format as the NAHL. The leagues will also follow the same contract and waiver rules as the NHL. 

Along with minor leagues it was announced that the league will have a Department of Player Safety, NAHLPA (with a two year CBA contract), and a Pro Hockey North American Hall of Fame (more details to come). 

Commissioner Sparall had this to say when asked about the formation of the new league “We are excited for the future of hockey in North America, the NAHL will bring a modern vision to the sport with so much history. This is just the beginning and we are excited to rewrite the history books for hockey. This is a league built for the fans.”

Last edited by 716Sports (5/20/2025 7:17 pm)