Frequently Asked Questions:
Do players have to pay-to-play in the North American Hockey League?
No. As the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior A league, players do not pay to play in the NAHL.
What is a NAHL tender?
A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (10) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.
How many players can a team select?
The number of selections each Club is allowed to make is based on the number of players on that Club's pre-draft Protected List minus 30. (Example: If Club's veteran's + tenders = 22, 30-22 = 8, then Club has 8 picks to get its roster up to 30).
When is the NAHL draft?
The 2012 NAHL Entry Draft is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 at 1:00pm (central).
Do I have to register for the NAHL draft?
No, there is no registration process to be eligible for the draft.
Are tendered or drafted players eligible to try out for other NAHL teams?
Unless agreed upon in writing by the two NAHL teams, tendered or drafted players are not eligible to try out for other NAHL teams.
Are tendered or drafted players eligible to try out for teams in other junior leagues?
Yes, all tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.
What if I am not drafted or tendered, but still want to play in the NAHL?
Players that go undrafted must contact the individual NAHL teams regarding tryout procedures. Un-drafted and non-tendered players are eligible to try out for any NAHL team. Free-agent players may potentially earn roster spots in tryout camps.
How do I learn about individual teams' tryout dates, costs and procedures?
When announced, tryout dates and contact information will posted on nahl.com, as well as the teams' individual Web sites, which can be accessed through www.nahl.com.
How do I let teams know I am interested in playing in the NAHL?
Prospective players must contact the individual NAHL teams coaching and scouting staffs regarding their interest. Contact information can be found on the teams' individual Web sites, which can be accessed through nahl.com.
Are non-U.S.-born citizens allowed to play in the NAHL?
Yes, each NAHL team is allowed by USA Hockey to list up to two (2) imports (non-U.S. citizens) on its protected list (roster) at one time.
What do NAHL teams pay for?
NAHL teams pay for all players' ice time (practices and games), as well as all travel costs incurred while traveling for games and tournaments, including meals and hotels.
Is equipment supplied and paid for by NAHL teams?
Most equipment is supplied and paid for by NAHL teams, including sticks, gloves, pants, jerseys, socks and helmets.
What is a billet family?
As most players leave home to play in the NAHL, a billet family is with whom a player lives with during the NAHL season. It is where they eat, sleep and study. Billet families are screened and interviewed extensively by the team to ensure a healthy living environment before being allowed to house players.
What are NAHL players responsible to pay for?
In additional to personal expenses, NAHL players are responsible for a monthly fee an estimated $300 a month to cover room and board at the player's billet home. That money is paid to the billet family to cover living expenses (food, etc.)
Can high school student-athletes leave home to play in the NAHL?
Yes, many players still in high school leave home to play in the NAHL. Those players enroll in a high school in their NAHL town and are under the strict supervision of an academic advisor at the high school as well as the NAHL team's staff.
Can high school graduates work or attend classes while playing in the NAHL?
Yes, most teams encourage every high school graduate to either work a part-time job or attend academic classes while playing in the NAHL.
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The 2012 NAHL (North American Hockey League - Tier II)Entry Draft is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 at 1 p.m. CST.
Who is eligible for the NAHL Entry Draft?
Amateur players less than 21 years of age on or before December 31, 2012 who are not listed on an NAHL team roster or are listed on an NAHL team roster but played less than (10) NAHL regular season and/or playoff games during the 2011-12 season and did not accept a tender from an NAHL team prior to the 2012 NAHL Entry Draft are eligible for selection in the draft.
How many players can each team select in the NAHL Entry Draft?
The number of players each team is able to draft varies on that team's current roster (protected list) minus the number 30 as of midnight of May 30. Leading up to midnight of May 30, each team's roster is comprised of veteran players and signed tenders only. For example, if a team has 15 veterans rostered and 8 tenders signed as of midnight of May 30 (23 total), that team is allowed seven (7) draft picks.
What is the order of the NAHL Entry Draft?
Eligible teams shall make selections in each round in reverse order of their finish in the 2011-12 NAHL regular-season standings. New member clubs shall have their order of selection determined by lottery. If there is only one new member club, it shall have the first selection in each round.
Do prospective NAHL players have to register for the NAHL Entry Draft?
No, there is no registration process to be eligible for the NAHL Entry Draft.
Are drafted players eligible to try out for other NAHL teams?
Unless agreed upon in writing by the two NAHL teams, tendered or drafted players are not eligible to try out for other NAHL teams.
Are drafted players eligible to try out for teams in other junior leagues?
Yes, all tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.
Will the results of the NAHL Entry Draft be posted on NAHL.com?
Yes, the results of the NAHL Entry Draft will be posted on NAHL.com in alphabetical order in its entirety upon completion.
Will the NAHL Entry Draft be broadcast?
Yes, the NAHL Entry Draft is schedule to be broadcast with live round-by-round coverage on FASTHockey, official broadcast partner of the NAHL.
Will all NAHL tenders signings be posted on NAHL.com?
No, all tender signing will not be posted on NAHL.com. NAHL teams may make their tender signings public, but are not required to do so.
What if a prospective player is not drafted, but is still interested in playing the NAHL?
Players not drafted but who still want to play in the NAHL may contact individual teams to inquire about attending their open tryout camps.
Additional Notes:
All NAHL rosters must be reduced to 25 players by September 1.
