Men's Ice Hockey | 10/3/2026 4:15:35 PM
CHICAGO - The United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league, is evaluating opportunities to strengthen relationships with leading youth hockey organizations that share its commitment to player development. This includes exploring a potential relationship with the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL), as well as similar opportunities with other organizations of comparable caliber and commitment to excellence.
These discussions are guided by the established principles of the American Development Model and the USHL’s Declaration of Excellence, developed in collaboration with the NHL and USA Hockey. Together, these initiatives emphasize long-term athlete development and environments that support players’ growth on the ice and in their lives.
“T1EHL and its member organizations have helped develop many of the players on USHL rosters today,” said Glenn Hefferan, USHL President and Commissioner. “As USA Hockey prepares to launch its Development League, we see an opportunity to build on that foundation and explore collaboration with organizations that share our commitment to elite player development. T1EHL has demonstrated that commitment over many years, and we look forward to exploring how we can work together, alongside other stakeholders, to further strengthen the American development pathway.”
The USHL and T1EHL share an interest in exploring practical ways to strengthen the connection between youth and junior hockey. “As the hockey landscape evolves, our responsibility as the top Tier 1 league is to ensure a premier development structure for every team our member organizations field, helping players at all levels develop the skills, habits, and character to succeed,” said Chris Stern, President of the T1EHL. “Exploring a closer relationship with the USHL, the top junior development league, reflects our commitment to each player’s long-term growth, greater clarity for families, and meaningful opportunities for players to advance when ready.”
Potential areas of collaboration include:
Player Development and Readiness: Sharing approaches to age-appropriate training, skill development, and competition that help players build a strong foundation and advance when they are ready for the next level.
Player Wellness and Academic Support: Exploring resources and educational opportunities related to strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery, mental wellness, and academic planning, consistent with the priorities of the Declaration of Excellence.
Pathway Education and Scouting: Improving communication among youth organizations and USHL clubs while helping players and families better understand development opportunities, the evaluation process, and pathways to junior and collegiate hockey.
Showcases and Event Coordination: Evaluating opportunities to coordinate events that provide meaningful competition and scouting exposure while protecting time for training, recovery, and school, and considering the travel and financial demands on families.
Coaching and Officiating Development: Identifying opportunities for education, mentorship, and shared resources that strengthen coaching, support officials, and improve the player experience.
The USHL’s consideration of a potential relationship with T1EHL is part of a broader effort to engage with quality organizations across American youth hockey. Any future collaboration would be evaluated on its ability to put players first, reinforce the principles of the American Development Model, and advance the USHL’s commitment to excellence in athlete development.
About the USHL
The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 315 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and nine of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).
Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).
About the T1EHL
Tier 1 Elite Hockey League is the Nation’s premier amateur hockey league, featuring more than 20 organizations stretching from coast to coast, united by a commitment to player development and advancement. Through strong competition, experienced coaching, and showcase events, the league helps players build the skills and habits needed to succeed at the next level. T1EHL games and showcases attract scouts from the USHL, NCAA programs, and the NHL, giving players opportunities to be evaluated as they pursue their hockey goals.