USA Hockey - National Development League
The USA Hockey Development League is a national framework of high-performance youth hockey programs, each fielding one 15U team and one 17U team. Operating under USA Hockey, DL programs identify, train and develop players from across the country to advance to junior hockey, including the USHL and the NAHL, as well as USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, college hockey and the NHL. Play will begin with the 2027-28 season.
Important Dates
| Date | Information |
|---|---|
| October 5, 2026 | The programs selected to be a part of the DL will be announced on the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast |
| January 15-31, 2027 | Early signing period for returning players |
| February 2027 | Open signing period |
| August 1, 2027 | DL teams may begin practices |
| September 2027 | Inaugural regular season begins |