Launching in 2027–28, the DL will strengthen the youth-to-junior hockey pathway, giving more athletes opportunities to develop close to home.

The USA Hockey Development League (DL) will begin play in the 2027–28 season with full-season teams at the 15U and 17U boys age classifications. Selected DL organizations may field up to five teams, one each at 13O, 14U, 15U, 17U, and 18U. The 15U and 17U teams will compete in the DL, while the 13O, 14U, and 18U teams will compete at the Tier I level, according to USA Hockey’s Development League overview.

For families with a participating organization nearby, the DL offers a route to advanced competition while athletes remain connected to their local club, coaches, and family.

What Is the USA Hockey Development League?

The USA Hockey Development League is a national framework of selected youth hockey organizations focused on optimizing player development. It will work alongside the existing Tier I structure to prepare athletes for advancement to the United States Hockey League (USHL) and North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Multiple entry and exit points recognize that players develop at different rates. Existing pathways through Tier I, high school, prep, and Tier II hockey will continue to offer advancement opportunities.

What Does the DL Mean for Players and Families?

For participating organizations with an established youth structure, a DL designation can connect a local development pathway from 8U through 17U. Athletes can pursue higher-level competition within a familiar organization while maintaining their support system at home.

Players on 17U DL teams will be eligible for USHL and NAHL call-ups for games and practices, subject to applicable league rules. They can gain experience with junior hockey’s pace and expectations while continuing to represent their youth club. Age-eligible players on an organization’s 18U AAA team will also have opportunities to participate with its 17U DL team.

Strengthening the Connection Between Youth and Junior Hockey

As USA Hockey prepares to launch the DL, the USHL is exploring closer relationships with leading youth hockey organizations, including the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL).

In its October 3, 2026 announcement, “USHL and T1EHL Explore Shared Opportunities to Strengthen American Player Development,” the USHL outlined potential collaboration in age-appropriate training, player readiness, strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery, mental wellness, and academic planning.

Discussions also include pathway education, communication between youth and junior clubs, and event coordination that balances meaningful competition and scouting exposure with time for training and recovery, travel demands, and family costs.

These discussions remain exploratory, with a shared focus on helping players advance when ready and supporting their growth on and off the ice.

Academic Support for DL Teams

Competition travel and junior hockey opportunities require academics that adapt without sacrificing structure or accountability. TPH Academy Online, powered by Subject, is the primary high school academic provider of the USHL. Through this official relationship, TPH supports student-athletes managing academics alongside junior hockey.

TPH Academy can also provide academics for an entire DL team, either on-site or online, helping clubs build an academic experience around training, competition, and travel commitments.

Club leaders can contact Adam Ewing, TPH Academy’s Chief Academic Officer, to learn more about team academic support.

Preparing for the DL Close to Home

For individuals aspiring to reach the DL level, TPH Academy offers world-class hockey training, strength and conditioning, and an academic model they can take with them, wherever the game takes them.

Its local day academy model gives student-athletes dedicated training and daily academic support while living at home and competing with their club. Hockey development emphasizes skill, hockey sense, and competitiveness through coaching and video analysis. Sports performance training builds strength, speed, athleticism, and endurance.

Flexible academics, personalized planning, and on-site guidance support daily progress, while TPH Academy Online offers academic continuity as athletes advance.

Learn more about the USA Hockey Development League and explore individual development and team academic options at TPHAcademy.com.

About TPH Academy:

TPH Academy is an international, academy-style environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy’s core purpose is to advance — in and beyond the game — the next generation of impact players. Through a flexible, accredited academic model, on-site academic support, individualized planning, world-class coaching, and sport-specific training, TPH Academy equips student-athletes with the structure and support to pursue excellence without compromise. Learn more in the TPH Academy Impact Report.