Letter from USHL Commissioner
John "Gino" Gasparini
Players, Parents and Fans:
Welcome to the United States Hockey League (USHL)! The number one development league in the United States.
The league originally formed as the Midwest Junior Hockey League in 1972, merged with the USHL in 1977 and became all juniors in 1979. The United States Hockey League, which is governed by USA Hockey, is now positioned as the number-one Junior 'A' hockey league in the country. Players must be 20 years-old or under before the season begins. However, a player who was born January 1, 1983 would be eligible to play in the USHL for the 2003-04 season. A player born December 31, 1982 is not eligible for this season.
Because of the extensive practice and game schedule in the USHL, players have an opportunity to develop their skills at an accelerated pace than what might otherwise be available. The main purpose of the USHL is to help players, coaches, and officials advance in their careers to the college and professional level. Each team plays a 58-game schedule starting in late September and finishing in late-March. With exhibition games and playoff games, each team totals well over 60 games-played.
The USHL prides itself on the professional presentation of an amateur sport. That professionalism manifests itself in the number of players and coaches who move on to other levels of hockey. The USHL has a voluntary draft system to help insure parity among the teams from season to season. The league attracts players from all over the United States as well as Canada and Europe.
Because the USHL gears itself toward putting players in college and helping them earn scholarships, the emphasis on education is foremost for all 12 teams. Teams work to make sure players have the academic capability to succeed in the classroom as well as on the ice. For the players who are still in high school, the teams work closely with local school officials developing class schedules to keep players on pace for graduation and college entrance requirements.
USHL games are regularly scouted by NHL teams, NHL Central Scouting, and Division 1-3 colleges. Because playing junior hockey often requires a player having to move to the town of the team, the clubs help arrange housing and part-time jobs. Community involvement by the players is also encouraged by each team. Players are not paid for performing in the USHL.
League Goals
- Provide talented young players and officials an opportunity to participate in competitive hockey
- Provide considerable training time, quality coaching and involve players and officials in national and international competition
- Provide players exposure to college and professional coaches
- Further players educational goals while developing their hockey skills
- Maintain a strictly amateur status with USA Hockey, CCHA, ECAC, HE, WCHA and other organizations
Any questions about the USHL, please contact: 701-775-6839 or 7334.
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