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USHL Confirms Talks with Tier I Elite League

April 21, 2011 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release


Chicago, IL - The USHL confirmed today that it is engaged in discussions to create a national affiliation with the Tier I Elite League, the top elite youth hockey league in the United States.

The Tier I Elite League is currently comprised of 19 hockey organizations throughout the U.S. that operate hockey teams competing in multiple age groups - from Squirt all the way up to Midget Major levels. In Tuesday's USHL Futures Draft, a total of 20 players - 22% of the total of 90 players drafted - were selected from Tier I Elite League teams.

"It's a work in progress - and while we're not there yet, we've been exploring the possibility of a closer relationship with this group of elite organizations for the past twelve months," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "The goal here is simple - to try to find an affiliation between the Tier 1 Elite league and the USHL that promotes our mutual interest in insuring that the country's best young players receive the best coaching and training available. We recognize a responsibility, as the pinnacle of USA Hockey's pyramid of development, to create and sustain a clear path for young players seeking to be the best."

The terms of the proposed agreement could recognize the Tier 1 Elite League as the USHL's official development league, and the parties have discussed re-branding the league to better reflect its affiliation with the USHL. Tier 1 Elite League teams would develop and maintain standards of coaching, training, academic progress, cost controls, and stability reflecting the standards observed by USHL Member Clubs, and the USHL would work closely with the league on its player development and showcase structure.

"This is a new initiative for us," said Prince, "but it is an extension of the steps we have taken to expand our player development efforts as well the USHL brand. We believe we've found a willing and capable partner in this league, and think there is the basis here for a strong relationship."

Further information will be released by the USHL as talks progress.

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