NAHL 50th Anniversary

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) will celebrate its 50th anniversary season in 2024-25. To mark this milestone, the NAHL is unveiling a unique logo that will be featured throughout its golden year.

Throughout its 50-year history, the NAHL has provided unparalleled exposure and advancement opportunities for players. During the 2023-24 season alone, the league has achieved over 350 NCAA commitments, continuing a remarkable trend of exceeding 300 NCAA commitments in each of the last eight seasons. This includes 270 NCAA Division I commitments this past season. Additionally, six players with NAHL ties were listed in the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings for the 2024 NHL Draft.

In the coming months the NAHL will be releasing the “Celebration Series” which will honor memorable moments from historic players, one-on-ones with longtime NAHL team owners and Coaches, plus other stories about the history of the League of Opportunity. 

As part of the 50-year celebration, the NAHL will unveil a limited edition commemorative painting by renowned artist Tim Cortes in September. A limited number of prints will be available for fans to purchase, making it a unique and memorable keepsake for this milestone event.

“We are thrilled to be entering our 50th season,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. “The opportunities in the NAHL continue to grow, and for 50 years we have provided a platform for individuals to develop their skills, gain exposure, and advance to NCAA hockey and beyond. The league consistently moves hundreds of players to the NCAA each season. The unwavering support these players receive from fans and billets in our communities makes playing in the NAHL so memorable. I want to thank our owners and coaches of past and present for providing so many opportunities for these young men to pursue their dreams. This is what truly makes our league great year after year. We look forward to the start of our 50th season and all the excitement it will bring.”

The NAHL is the oldest junior hockey league in the United States and, along with the USHL, is one of only two U.S.-based junior hockey leagues that operate on a non-pay-to-play model. The NAHL takes pride in advancing players directly to NCAA hockey and in the positive impacts our teams have on their local communities.