USA Hockey Development League Application

  • Development League Application

    DL Season Begins Fall of 2027

  • Following the success of the National Team Development Program (NTDP) and the American Development Model (ADM), USA Hockey is proud to launch the USA Hockey Development League (DL), a next-generation framework for elite player development of youth hockey in the United States. Approved at the 2026 USA Hockey Winter Meeting, the DL will begin operations in the 2027–28 season, providing a structured and advanced pathway designed to optimize player training, competition, and long-term progression.

    The DL is not a traditional league, but rather a national network of programs aimed at elevating player development through best-in-class coaching, training standards, and competitive opportunities. It is designed to complement, not replace, existing Tier I and youth hockey structures, creating additional pathways for players to excel at the Youth 15U and 17U age levels and prepare for junior and collegiate hockey.

    This application process is the first step for teams seeking to join the DL. Selected programs will be evaluated based on their history of player development, commitment to advancing athletes, past performance, and geographic representation, which will be evaluated based on each program’s submission of the Request for Information. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to field teams at both the 15U and 17U levels, with the potential to add additional Tier I teams in adjacent age classifications.

    Please make sure you completed the Request for Information form prior to submitting your application for the Development League (DL): https://usahockey.jotform.com/252576494444063

    The following application is designed as a follow-up to the RFI as your submission for membership in the Development League. By completing this application, your program expresses its interest in joining a select group of up to 32 programs dedicated to advancing player development and contributing to the long-term growth of elite youth hockey.

    Key Dates:

    • Application Opens: May 1, 2026
    • Application Closes: June 30, 2026
    • Program Selection Announced: October 16, 2026
    • DL Season Begins: Fall 2027
  • Have you filled out the RFI (Request for Information) for the DL?*

  • You must complete the following form prior to submitting your application for the Development League (DL): https://usahockey.jotform.com/252576494444063

    PLEASE NOTE: This is a Request for Information (RFI) only and includes more in-depth questions regarding your organization.

    In accordance with USA Hockey’s governing rules, regulations, and bylaws, the Development League was approved at the USA Hockey Winter Meetings on January 18, 2026. Any decisions regarding participation and team selection will follow the established review process.

    Important: All USA Hockey–registered teams with an interest in participating in the Development League are required submit this Request for Information.

  • Team Information

  • Is your organization USA Hockey Tier I National Bound?*
  • Is your organization in good standing with your affiliate?*
  • Please indicate your organization’s structure:*

  • Primary Contact for Organization

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Additional Information

  • Agreements & Signatures

  • The undersigned represents and warrants to USA Hockey that I am an authorized representative of the USA Hockey program presenting this application. On behalf of said program, I agree and acknowledge that (i) this submission is an application only and the submission of this application does not guarantee that said program will be granted membership in the USA Hockey Development League (DL); and (ii) any dispute over the program’s acceptance or non-acceptance of membership in the DL, or related to this application or the application process in any way, shall be subject to the provisions of USA Hockey Bylaw 10 as the sole and exclusive process and remedy for dispute resolution.

    My signature below represents the electronic equivalent of my hand signature, my confirmation of the accuracy of the information in this submission, and my agreement to the terms above.  

  • Today's Date*
     - -
  • Clear
  • Should be Empty: