NAHL Combines

About the NAHL Combines

The goal of the NAHL Combines is to provide the aspiring hockey player the opportunity to take part in a one-of-a-kind experience that is designed to maximize exposure at grand-scale events that feature the genuine NAHL experience. NAHL Combines are run by the professional staff of the North American Hockey League, and are carefully designed to provide education, exposure, and experience for prospects that strive to advance their hockey development to the junior hockey and college level.

• EDUCATION — Players participate in seminars that discuss the NAHL junior hockey experience, the ladder of development, as well as NCAA compliance seminars. Players learn about a variety of key aspects of their hockey future, including NCAA compliance and eligibility, recruiting processes and the correct path to college hockey, as well as an in-depth look at the three different tiers of junior hockey.
• EXPOSURE — Players compete in front of NAHL and NA3HL coaches as they begin to build key relationships with junior teams and coaches. With NAHL Tryout Camps and the NAHL Draft taking place from May through July, NAHL Combines are a perfect indicator to evaluate just how ready they are for the next step while receiving valuable feedback.
• EXPERIENCE — Players from all over North America and Europe will play multiple games against other NAHL and NCAA hockey prospects. Teams will be coached and evaluated by staff members from the NAHL, Neutral Zone, and NA3HL, providing a top notch, professional, and memorable experience

The NAHL is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II junior league boasting 34 teams from across North America. The NAHL prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. Currently, more than 1,500 NAHL alumni play in the NCAA, and 50+ more play in the NHL. For more on the NAHL, click here.

What Takes Place at the NAHL Combines

Players will be assigned to a team and receive their weekend schedule 24 hours prior to the combine. Each team will play four scrimmages, with NAHL and NA3HL coaches working behind the bench. The introduction to junior hockey continues off the ice as well, with educational seminars for players and their families throughout the weekend.

• Junior hockey experience through four scrimmage games with coaching from NAHL and NA3HL staff members
• Participants are able to build a relationship with current NAHL & NA3HL coaches and scouts on the benches, and receive direct feedback during games
• In-person educational seminars about the junior hockey landscape, including:
  • USA Hockey/NAHL partnership and the path to college hockey in the U.S.
  • NAHL Ladder of Development
  • NAHL Player Procurement
  • Academic preparation and NCAA compliance seminar

Finding the Right NAHL Combine for You

The NAHL offers two different combines: Futures Combine (2010-2012) for future prospects of the NAHL and a Junior Combine (2006-2010) for junior-aged players who are looking for scouting exposure to all NAHL and NA3HL teams.

Futures (2010-2012): Players that are 2+ years away from juniors

• The Futures Combine aligns with eligibility for the NAHL Futures Draft on June 9, 2026. The Futures Draft provides early junior hockey exposure for 16-year-old players and supports their path toward NCAA hockey through the NAHL's proven development model. Each NAHL team will select two 2010-born players-one in each of the draft's two rounds.
• This draft offers players a unique chance to gain junior hockey experience while continuing to compete at the midget, high school, or prep school levels, keeping all future options open. Selected players are automatically added to their NAHL team's USA Hockey Affiliate Player List for the 2025-26 season, allowing them to play in up to ten NAHL games without being placed on the team's official USA Hockey Protected List.
• Educate players on USA Hockey's proven pathway to the NCAA through junior hockey path to collegiate hockey as they enter high school
• Exposure to scouts from all levels, while given the opportunity from feedback from bench coaches
• Provide a realistic experience of a junior hockey tryout
• All ages will be on the ice at the same time
• 2010s: Register for the Prospect Combine to stand out against players your own peer group

Junior (2006-2010): Players looking to play junior hockey next season

• Maximize scouting exposure to NAHL and NA3HL teams for players looking to play junior hockey in the near future
• Continue education about proven pathway to NCAA hockey via the NAHL's Ladder of Development
• Provide an experience that will help in the player's next steps in pursuit of playing junior hockey
• 2010s: Register for the Junior Combine if you plan to play junior hockey within the next two seasons and want to play against older players

Travel Arrangements

• Players are responsible for their own travel arrangements including "to and from" each day of the combine
• Players needing hotel accommodations are required to stay at a NAHL partner hotel property which is listed on the specific combine page in which you are attending. Players will be required to complete a Hotel Report Form to verify accommodations
• Approved partner hotel list will be posted six weeks prior to the combine

Cost

• Junior Combine: $600 per player ($650 for Irvine, CA)
• Futures Combine: $500 per player ($550 for Irvine, CA)
• Players will receive a NAHL Combine jersey, hockey socks, and a NAHL gift
• Cancellations before February 20^th will be assessed a $125.00 Administration Fee
• NO REFUNDS will be provided for cancellations after February 20^th. Charges will appear as NAHL Combine on your credit card statement.

Locations

• St. Louis, MO | St. Peters Rec-Plex | Mar 27-29, 2026
• Detroit, MI | Suburban Ice - Rochester | Apr 10-12, 2026
• Middletown, NJ | Middletown Sports Complex | Apr 17-19, 2026
• Manchester, NH | Delta Dental Arena | Apr 24-26, 2026
• Irvine, CA | Great Park Ice & Five Point Arena | May 1-3, 2026