For aspiring young hockey players, September in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) is a time of immense hope and intense pressure. Main camps conclude, and rosters are finalized, leading to the difficult reality of players being cut from their dream of playing Tier II junior hockey. While the initial sting of being released can be disheartening, it is crucial to understand that this is a common part of the junior hockey journey and often opens doors to other valuable opportunities for development and advancement.
For players who are cut from NAHL teams in September, the path forward is typically a swift and dynamic process involving a “trickle-down” effect into other leagues, primarily the Tier III junior ranks. The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), the official Tier III affiliate of the NAHL, stands as the most common and direct landing spot.
The Immediate Aftermath: Communication and Next Steps
The process of being released is typically handled through a direct, in-person meeting with the team’s coaching staff. In this meeting, coaches will inform the player of their decision and, in many cases, provide feedback on areas for improvement. While the news is difficult, it is a professional courtesy that allows players to understand the rationale behind the decision and what they need to work on.
Immediately following this conversation, the player’s support system, particularly their family advisor, springs into action. Advisors play a critical role in navigating the next steps, leveraging their network of contacts within lower-tiered junior leagues and high-level midget programs to find a suitable new team for the player. The urgency is palpable, as Tier III leagues are often in the final stages of their own training camps and roster selections.
The Domino Effect: Opportunities in Tier III and Beyond
Navigating the Cut: The Path Forward for Hockey Players Released from the NAHL in September
For aspiring young hockey players, September in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) is a time of immense hope and intense pressure. Main camps conclude, and rosters are finalized, leading to the difficult reality of players being cut from their dream of playing Tier II junior hockey. While the initial sting of being released can be disheartening, it is crucial to understand that this is a common part of the junior hockey journey and often opens doors to other valuable opportunities for development and advancement.
For players who are cut from NAHL teams in September, the path forward is typically a swift and dynamic process involving a “trickle-down” effect into other leagues, primarily the Tier III junior ranks. The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), the official Tier III affiliate of the NAHL, stands as the most common and direct landing spot.
The Immediate Aftermath: Communication and Next Steps
The process of being released is typically handled through a direct, in-person meeting with the team’s coaching staff. In this meeting, coaches will inform the player of their decision and, in many cases, provide feedback on areas for improvement. While the news is difficult, it is a professional courtesy that allows players to understand the rationale behind the decision and what they need to work on.
Immediately following this conversation, the player’s support system, particularly their family advisor, springs into action. Advisors play a critical role in navigating the next steps, leveraging their network of contacts within lower-tiered junior leagues and high-level midget programs to find a suitable new team for the player. The urgency is palpable, as Tier III leagues are often in the final stages of their own training camps and roster selections.
The Domino Effect: Opportunities in Tier III and Beyond
The release of players from the NAHL creates a ripple effect throughout the junior hockey landscape. Tier III leagues, such as the NA3HL, the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Premier, often wait for these cuts to fill their final roster spots. This provides an immediate opportunity for skilled players coming from a higher level of competition.
The NA3HL, with its direct affiliation to the NAHL, offers a particularly structured pathway. Many NAHL organizations have affiliate teams in the NA3HL, and they will often direct their released players to these programs. This allows the NAHL team to keep a close eye on the player’s development throughout the season.
Beyond Tier III, some players may opt for a return to high-level 18U AAA hockey. This can be a strategic move for younger players who may benefit from another year of development before making the jump to junior hockey.
The Tender Question: Understanding Player Rights
A common point of confusion surrounds players who were “tendered” by an NAHL team. A tender is a contract that gives an NAHL team a player’s rights within the league for the upcoming season. If a tendered player is cut, the NAHL team still holds their rights. This means the player cannot sign with another NAHL team unless their rights are traded or released by the original team. However, the player is free to join a team in any other league (Tier III, Midget AAA, etc.). In some instances, the NAHL team may work to trade the player’s rights to another NAHL team that has interest.
The Road Back: Affiliation and Call-Ups
For players who land on an affiliated NA3HL team, the dream of playing in the NAHL is far from over. Throughout the season, NAHL teams can “affiliate” players from their NA3HL counterparts, allowing them to practice with the NAHL team and even be called up to play in a limited number of games. This provides a tangible opportunity for players to prove they are ready for the next level and potentially earn a permanent spot on the NAHL roster later in the season due to injuries or other roster changes.
Being cut from an NAHL team in September is undoubtedly a challenging experience for a young hockey player. However, it is a common and often necessary step in the development process. With a proactive approach, a strong support system, and a commitment to continued improvement, these players can find new opportunities to thrive in the competitive world of junior hockey, with the ultimate goal of returning to the NAHL or advancing to collegiate and professional ranks.
