The NPHL
While the junior hockey landscape is ever growing, it’s important to choose the league that best fits and benefits the player. The Northern Pacific Hockey League is devoted to growing, developing and preparing players for the next level, both on and off the ice.
Since the NPHL is located between Oregon and Washington, it allows for less travel time, fewer nights spent away from home and limited missed days from school. This helps the NPHL to stay true to its mission of growing players on the ice and developing them in the classroom. The NPHL ensures that each player is given the best opportunities to succeed as a player, and student.
The NPHL has found major success with this mission in its 15-year existence. The league has collectively sent over 350 players to participate in higher divisions of hockey. These divisions include: collegiate division I & III schools, NAHL, USHL, BCHL, BCIHL, CHL, and ACHL.
The NPHL has even seen its very own, Tyler Johnson, reach and succeed at the highest level of hockey with the Tampa Bay Lightening.
Players
The NPHL follows the rules and regulations that are enforced by USA Hockey. This allows the league to adhere to current NCAA requirements, which ensures the players’ amateur status is kept intact. Players from outside the United States are allowed to play in the league, but each team can only carry two non-U.S. citizens on its roster.
Housing
Players are housed with local Billets; these people take care of the players and treat them like family. Each Billet is screened and must pass the requirements set by USA Hockey. This ensures that the players will be in a safe and productive environment.
These Billets and team management work closely with one another to guarantee that players are receiving the proper care and are meeting the academic requirements in attendance and performance.
The NPHL does not allow fraternity style housing, which is where several players live together without any adult supervision.
Education
Players who are still in high school will attend local schools around the team. Each team maintains a close relationship with the schools that players attend. This ensures each player is meeting the academic requirements set by the league and school.
For players who have graduated high school, they are enrolled in a local community college or online classes. This keeps the players’ minds sharp and allows them to pursue collegiate opportunities after junior hockey.
Coaching
Every team within the NPHL employs a full-time head coach. These coaches have met USA Hockey’s requirements and are at least a level 4 head coach. The objectives of every head coach are to develop and advance players to higher levels of hockey.
Regular Season
Each team will play at least 42 games in one season. The season starts in September and goes until March, but the schedule is designed so the players miss minimal amounts of school due to traveling and game play.
Playoffs and National Championship
The best teams in the NPHL will be given the chance to compete for the Cascade Cup Championship. The NPHL champion go on to represent the NPHL in the USA Hockey Junior Nationals in April.
