The USA Hockey Development League (DL) will begin play in 2027–28, with full-season teams at the 15U and 17U boys classifications. Working alongside the existing Tier I structure, the DL is designed to strengthen player development and prepare athletes for advancement to junior and college hockey.

As clubs prepare for this next step, the daily environment matters. Training, travel, and competition place significant demands on student-athletes, making academic flexibility, accountability, and guidance essential to their development.

TPH Academy supports that balance through two models. As the Primary High School Academic Provider of the USHL, TPH Academy Online Powered by Subject brings an established academic foundation to teams preparing players for their next level.

Model 1: TPH Academy Online

Flexible Virtual Academics

TPH Academy Online provides fully accredited, flexible digital coursework built around the demands of hockey schedules. Student-athletes can complete their academics around practices, training, and travel while receiving individualized support and ongoing progress monitoring.

The model includes live academic chat, 1:1 tutoring through the Subject Online Learning Lab, English-language learner support, and NCAA-approved coursework with guidance to support Division I and Division III academic eligibility. Preferred, discounted tuition is available for rostered players, giving clubs a shared academic option that can stay with student-athletes as teams, cities, and schedules change.

Model 2: Team-Based Academy

An On-Site Environment Built for Your Club

The team-based academy combines the online academic foundation and preferred team pricing with a dedicated learning environment at your facility. TPH designs, equips, and operates the space, and hires a dedicated on-site Academic Success Coach to guide daily learning and academic progress.

Student-athletes also participate in TPH’s three-track leadership and mentorship curriculum, clubs, field trips, and real-world experiences that build confidence, character, and life skills. These opportunities make personal development part of the team’s daily environment.

Hockey staff receive access to 6,000+ development videos, custom playbooks, and club-specific periodization calendars. Clubs also connect with 24+ TPH campuses and 200+ staff members to share expertise and strengthen their development approach.

Whether a team needs flexible virtual academics or a complete on-site environment, TPH helps clubs support the academic progress and personal growth that accompany hockey advancement.

To explore these models for your team, fill out the inquiry form below or contact Adam Ewing, Chief Academic Officer, at aewing@tphacademy.com. Learn more at TPHAcademy.com/online.

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.