NHL, ACHA, ACHA, CHL, NCAA, and Other North American Hockey Leagues

The National Hockey League is widely considered to be the premier professional ice hockey league in the world. It is one of the Big Four major North American professional sports leagues along with Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Football League.

The NHL plays 82 games in the regular season, with each team playing each other at least once during the course of the season. The top six teams in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs. The top two teams in each conference advance to the Stanley Cup finals, which takes place at the conclusion of the playoffs.

Other North American Leagues
In addition to the NHL, there are several other minor professional leagues in the United States. These leagues offer a variety of different opportunities for players to develop their careers and gain professional experience before advancing to the NHL. Some of these leagues are ranked higher than others, have high salaries, and a higher chance of being drafted by the NHL.

CHL and NCAA
The CHL is the top junior hockey league in North America, sending more players to NCAA Division 1 schools than any other junior league. It is also a great source of talent for the NHL with many of its current stars having played in the CHL prior to their NHL career.

ACHA
The American Collegiate Hockey Association is a separate organization that governs college hockey in the United States. It provides structure and regulations, promotes the quality of play, and sponsors National Awards and National Tournaments for men’s and women’s teams.

ACHA currently has three men’s and two women’s divisions with approximately 450 teams. Its policies cover team and player eligibility, rules of play, ranking procedures, national tournament procedures, and other administrative issues.

NCAA
The NCAA is the top college ice hockey league in the United States, with more than 22,000 student-athletes competing in the program. It is a highly competitive league that offers a variety of educational opportunities, including athletic scholarships and financial aid for qualified students.

In Canada, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the premier junior ice hockey league in Canada, with teams across the country. It is a highly competitive, fast-paced hockey league that provides an excellent hockey education and career path for young athletes.

CHL clubs and their affiliates also support a wide array of community causes on an annual basis, including Pink in the Rink in support of breast cancer research charities, Talk Today in support of mental health awareness, Teddy Bear Toss nights for local children’s charities, sponsorship programs, officiating development camps, and more.

Liiga and Czech Extraliga
Finland’s Liiga is regarded as the second strongest hockey league in Europe, with a large fan base and an abundance of talented prospects. The league’s popularity and success have continued to grow in recent years. It has churned out a large number of talented NHLers and it is poised to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.