North American Hockey League

North American Hockey League Recruiting FAQ

Do players have to pay to play in the NAHL?

No, as a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier 2 Junior A league, players do not pay to play in the NAHL.

What is a 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 (8) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.

What is the NAHL draft?

The NAHL draft is a procedure in which teams are granted two (2) rounds - plus or minus any trades - to select free agent players for the following season. Players already on NAHL teams' protected lists (initial rosters), including tendered players, are the only players not eligible for the NAHL draft.

When is the NAHL draft?

The 2008 NAHL Entry Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 at 1 p.m. CST.

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 un-drafted must contact the individual NAHL teams regarding tryout procedures. Un-drafted and nontendered players are eligible to try out for any NAHL team. Many free-agent players earn roster spots in tryout camps, and therefore are a very important part of an NAHL's recruiting process.

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 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.